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Satellite Payload Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... The Role As a Mission Payload Engineer within Commercial Programs, you'll serve as the primary ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated satellite/payload technical expertise and be able to ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design ... Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... The Role As a Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as the ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated satellite/payload technical expertise and be able to ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You will ...

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Satellite Payload Engineer information

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How much do satellite payload engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for satellite payload engineer in the United States is $47.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $61.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a satellite payload engineer?

Satellite Payload Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test the payload systems of satellites, which are the instruments and equipment responsible for the satellite’s main mission, such as communication, imaging, or data collection. They work closely with other engineering teams to ensure that the payload meets mission requirements, operates reliably in space environments, and integrates seamlessly with the satellite bus. Their role is critical in both commercial and scientific satellite missions, and they are involved from the conceptual design phase through to integration, testing, and in-orbit support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite payload engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Payload Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF/microwave systems, and satellite communications, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, RF simulation software (such as CST or HFSS), and industry standards for satellite payloads is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing satellite payloads that meet mission requirements and ensure reliable space operations.

What are the most common challenges faced by satellite payload engineers during integration and testing phases?

Satellite Payload Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring that all payload components operate seamlessly within tight physical, power, and data constraints. Integration and testing phases require meticulous coordination with systems engineers and test teams to troubleshoot interface issues, electromagnetic compatibility, and thermal management. Additionally, unexpected anomalies may arise that require real-time problem-solving and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. These phases are fast-paced and detail-oriented, offering valuable opportunities to develop expertise in both technical troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration.

What is the difference between Satellite Payload Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSatellite Payload EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and test satellite payloads such as sensors and communication equipmentOversee overall satellite system integration, including subsystems and payloads
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering; certifications varyBachelor's or master's in aerospace or systems engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, and satellite development sitesDesign offices, integration labs, and mission operation centers
Industry UsageUsed by satellite manufacturers, aerospace firms, and government agenciesUsed by satellite operators, integrators, and aerospace companies

While both roles require aerospace engineering knowledge and similar credentials, Satellite Payload Engineers focus on payload-specific design and testing, whereas Satellite Systems Engineers oversee the entire satellite system integration. Both roles are essential in satellite development and often collaborate closely.

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Satellite Payload Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Payload Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,164 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Senior Payload Computer Systems Engineer

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.
At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.
What We're Looking For:
We are looking for an engineer who loves working with computer systems and is heavily invested in the space industry. As a Payload Computer Systems Engineer, you will work among a diverse engineering and analysis team to perform design, testing, on-orbit checkout and monitoring, anomaly resolution and hardware longevity efforts of satellite payload computer hardware and software for the Iridium satellite constellation. In this role, you will work with cross functional engineering teams including payload software development, system integration and test, mission operations and system architecture. You will also develop expertise in new technologies and rapidly adapt to evolving mission needs, helping deliver innovative functionality and services that keep Iridium at the forefront of the commercial space industry.
What You'll Do:
  • Conduct payload computer, modem board, and power supply performance analysis and create plans and procedures for 240 payload computers, 320 modem boards, and 160 power supplies
  • Analyze on-orbit payload computer hardware and software performance and respond to computer anomalies whether software related, hardware failures or space environment induced
  • Collaborate with payload software development team, satellite subsystem engineers and test teams to prepare a vehicle software build for on-orbit deployment and on-orbit test
  • Interface with vehicle manufacturer and payload computer vendors to discuss and resolve on-orbit computer hardware and software issues
  • Perform satellite payload computer data bus analysis (SpaceWire, MGT, SelectMap, ML16DS16)
  • Analyze computer/modem board space environment effects
    • SDRAM/Flash memory analysis for bit error/failure mitigation
    • Modem board SEFI analysis and mitigation
    • Dosimeter data analysis and FPGA SEFI scrub cycle performance
  • Participate in characterization and prioritization of payload software features and defects within payload software builds and present results
  • Deliver operational satellite software products (telemetry tables, command sequences, on-board databases, new software product loads) through configuration management systems
  • Develop technical documentation and provide training and knowledge transfer to operations personnel and new engineering team members
  • Lead and execute multiple payload computer engineering efforts concurrently, including satellite anomaly investigation, hardware longevity analysis, software feature implementation, and on-orbit validation

What You'll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
  • 8+ years of experience supporting spacecraft or satellite payload computer systems, embedded systems, or closely related engineering environments
  • Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues within complex, mission-critical systems
  • Working knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python
  • Experience working in Unix/Linux environments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion
  • Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments
  • Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities
  • Be proactive in sharing knowledge you've learned with others
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite, GitLab or similar configuration management tools
  • Familiarity with PowerPC processors, Xilinx FPGA architecture, Space Wire bus protocols
  • Familiarity with space operations environment
We'll also need you to:
  • Must be willing and able to participate in a 24/7 on-call environment to support critical satellite operations
  • Be able to travel up to two times per year
  • This role requires access to export-controlled technologies; candidates must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR)

Work Environment:
This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.
Base Pay Range: $140,000 - $180,000 USD
Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

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