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Satellite Payload Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 support ...

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 support ...

Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload Lead

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience Requirements: * 5-8 years in systems engineering, integration and test, or RF/test ... Understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems. * Strong problem-solving and ...

Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload Lead

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$75 - $95/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience Requirements: * 5-8 years in systems engineering, integration and test, or RF/test ... Understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems. * Strong problem-solving and ...

New

... Payload Engineer to provide critical technical expertise to Government mission managers. In this ... satellite operations. The position will be part of the System Engineering and Integration Team for ...

Showing results 41-60

Satellite Payload Engineer information

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$28

$47

$72

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.

More about Satellite Payload Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Satellite Payload Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Satellite Payload Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs include:

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 Software Engineer | Satellite Payload Model Developer

Boeing Company

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Senior Software Engineer | Satellite Payload Model Developer
Company:
The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Satellite Payload Model Developer to join our Software Engineering Simulation Team in El Segundo, CA. This position will support the Boeing Defense Services (BDS) business unit.
Our team builds software and hardware-based satellite simulators and emulators in support of the world's highest-performing satellite systems for U.S. government and commercial customers.
In this role you will design, implement, test, and maintain real-time satellite payload models and integrate them into system-level simulators. This is an opportunity to create innovative solutions and support multiple software-based projects in a rapid, agile CI/CD environment using modern technologies and tools. We're looking for skilled developers who thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams, like to try new things, and aren't afraid of a challenge.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Executes full life-cycle development activities, including requirements definition and analysis, software architecture, design, coding, unit test, integration, documentation, and formal qualification
  • Develops software verification plans, test procedures and test environments
  • Interfaces with a technically diverse user community and a multi-disciplinary integrated product team (systems and software)
  • Works independently and collaboratively to complete trade studies and detailed designs
  • Delivers innovative, high-impact solutions to complex technical challenges
  • Designs and write custom tools and processes to support configuration automation
  • Interfaces with product stakeholders including flight software and hardware development teams, Systems Engineering, and Product Security Engineering

Security Clearance:
This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • 5+ years' experience with modern programming and scripting languages such as C++, Java, JavaScript, Perl, Python, Visual Basic
  • Experience with or working knowledge of concurrent computing and experience developing multi-threaded or multi-process software applications
  • Experience using Git in a Linux environment

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science and 9+ years of related work experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 13+ years of directly related work experience OR 17+ years of related, relevant experience
  • Network & I/O: Deep understanding of network protocols and asynchronous programming, including socket handling (TCP/IP, UDP)
  • 5+ years' software engineering experience in low-level (i.e., read/write data packets, bit/byte processing) systems programming
  • Hardware Emulation: Experience simulating programmable logic, registers, or FPGA/ASIC state behaviors in software
  • Data Parsing: Experience emulating command and telemetry processing, packet serialization/deserialization, and managing bitwise operations/endianness
  • Space Protocols: Familiarity with satellites and/or command and telemetry standards (e.g., CCSDS)

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Work Location:
This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.
CodeVue Coding Challenge:
To be considered for this position you will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Total Rewards:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range: USD $171,700 - $232,300
The Boeing 401(k) helps you save for your future, with contributions from Boeing that can help you grow your retirement savings. Our best-in-class retirement benefit features:
1. Best in class 401(k) plan: we'll match your contributions dollar for dollar, up to 10% of eligible pay with immediate 100% vesting
2. Student Loan Match: The Boeing 401(k) Student Loan Match allows eligible enrolled U.S. employees to have their qualified student loan debt payments counted, along with any match-eligible contributions they make, for purposes of determining the Company Match to employees' Boeing 401(k) accounts.
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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