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Space Payload Integration Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris Geospatial Solutions

$76K - $103K/yr

This position serves as a Scientist, Integration and Test Engineer responsible for leading, planning, and executing test operations across a portfolio of space payload programs. The role provides ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Developing test plans and documentation such as user manuals, integration guides and ... Here, you'll find the space and opportunity to do your life's best work. Along with your salary ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Developing test plans and documentation such as user manuals, integration guides and ... Here, you'll find the space and opportunity to do your life's best work. Along with your salary ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Developing test plans and documentation such as user manuals, integration guides and ... Here, you'll find the space and opportunity to do your life's best work. Along with your salary ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to ... System integration and test experience with space systems * Knowledge and application of Systems ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to ... System integration and test experience with space systems * Knowledge and application of Systems ...

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Space Payload Integration Test Engineer information

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$44.5K

$124.3K

$173.5K

How much do space payload integration test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for space payload integration test engineer in the United States is $124,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a space payload integration test engineer do?

A Space Payload Integration Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring that scientific instruments, satellites, or other payloads are correctly integrated and tested for compatibility with their launch vehicles. They coordinate mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces between the payload and the spacecraft, conduct tests to verify performance, and troubleshoot issues that arise during integration. Their work ensures that payloads operate as intended once deployed in space, contributing to mission success and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space payload integration test engineer?

To thrive as a Space Payload Integration Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with payload integration, and familiarity with space systems standards. Proficiency with CAD software, hardware-in-the-loop simulation tools, and testing protocols, as well as certifications like ITAR compliance, are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout engineers apart in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure payloads are successfully integrated and validated, minimizing risk and ensuring mission success in complex space environments.

What are some common challenges faced by space payload integration test engineers during the integration process?

Space Payload Integration Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compatibility between the payload and spacecraft systems. They must meticulously validate interfaces and troubleshoot unexpected issues that can arise during integration and environmental testing. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as engineers frequently collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to resolve integration or testing anomalies and keep the project on track.

What are popular job titles related to Space Payload Integration Test Engineer jobs?

For Space Payload Integration Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Space Payload Integration Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,275 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Payload Integration and Test Engineer

Acton, MA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

$114K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
At GA-EMS - Optical Sensor Systems, we design, build, and test advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payload that power next-generation remote-sensing systems. You'll join a multidisciplinary team tackling technically challenging problems in a collaborative, hands-on environment. We value innovation, rigor, and accountability-offering opportunities for growth and leadership based on technical excellence.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) team. This role focuses on electro-optical system integration, test automation, and verification & validation of complex EO/IR payload subsystems. You will work closely with systems, software, and electrical engineers to plan and execute integration activities, automate test workflows, and ensure performance and reliability requirements are met. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments with test hardware, software interfaces, and data analysis tools. This is a full-time position located in Acton, MA.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Define and implement test strategies for payload functional, performance, and environmental verification, ensuring full requirements coverage
  • Lead cross-discipline coordination between optical, electrical, software, and systems teams during integration and test campaigns
  • Develop and maintain automated test infrastructure and Python-based test frameworks supporting electrical, software, and optical subsystem verification
  • Collaborate with the Flight Software and Systems Engineering teams to assess, debug, and verify C-based embedded code behavior through hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Perform electrical and software integration of payload components, including command-and-telemetry interfaces, sensors, and power systems
  • Oversee operation and integration of optical test equipment
  • Support verification and validation (V&V) efforts across prototype, qualification, and flight hardware
  • Analyze telemetry, images, and environmental test data to evaluate system performance and stability
  • Establish data management and analysis workflows for test results, ensuring reproducibility, traceability, and configuration control
  • Document test procedures, configurations, and results in accordance with engineering and quality processes
  • Support anomaly investigation and corrective action implementation during integration and environmental campaigns
  • Serve as a technical mentor for early-career engineers and test operators, promoting disciplined processes and sound engineering judgement

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Experience with system-level integration and testing of complex hardware or embedded systems
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary integration efforts involving optical, electrical, and software subsystems
  • Understanding of electro-optical system design and test processes
  • Familiarity with optics and optical test equipment, including Collimators, Integrating Spheres, Blackbodies, Lasers, and stages
  • Proficiency in Python for test automation, data handling, hardware control, and analysis
  • Ability to read and understand C code, particularly for diagnostics and interface verification
  • Familiarity with Linux environments, command-line tools, and version control (Git)
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing automated test frameworks for electrical and embedded systems
  • Familiarity with space-borne or high-reliability payloads, especially EO/IR imaging or sensing systems
  • Background in instrument control, data acquisition, hardware communications protocols (Ethernet, serial, CAN, SPI, etc.)
  • Knowledge of image processing, calibration, or optical system performance assessment
  • Experience performing requirements verification and validation (V&V) and contributing to test readiness reviews or data packages
  • Familiarity with C++, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or continuous integration (CI) workflows
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, hands-on lab environment with minimal supervision
  • Willingness to support off-shift or extended testing during major integration or environmental test milestones

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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