Payload Systems Integration and Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States. The role requires regular hands-on work with flight hardware in a cleanroom and physical ability to lift 25 lbs, bend, stoop, and stand.

Salary: $119,543–$152,749 per year, plus potential stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Company

Develops commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing payloads, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses.

What you will do

• Own assigned payloads from initial scoping through post-flight data delivery.
• Define payload-to-vehicle interfaces, requirements, interface control documents, and special vehicle accommodations.
• Coordinate technical work with external payload customers and internal vehicle engineering teams.
• Plan and execute payload integration, functional checkouts, environmental testing, and payload-specific verification activities.
• Support full-vehicle testing, payload installation, compatibility testing, and vehicle-in-the-loop mission scenarios.
• Define payload flight operations, troubleshoot integration issues, and incorporate mission lessons learned into processes and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience integrating and testing spacecraft, payloads, or similarly complex electromechanical hardware.
• Strong first-principles problem-solving, system-level thinking, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Hands-on cleanroom experience with critical flight hardware.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and qualify as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled technology.
• Experience with environmental testing, including vibration, EMI/EMC, and TVAC, is preferred.

Nice to have

• Experience integrating hosted or customer-furnished payloads onto spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Experience managing interface control documents, requirements, and verification or validation plans.
• Familiarity with GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, pharmaceutical or biotech hardware, and regulated-industry quality practices.
• Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR regulations for technical exchanges.

Culture & Benefits

• Regular full-time employment with flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• Parental leave, family-building benefits, wellness reimbursement, and sponsored One Medical memberships.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match and incentive equity.
• Relocation support may be available for new hires, along with catered meals, team events, and complimentary EV charging.