Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

TL;DR

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI) (Aerospace): Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle from proposals through on-orbit commissioning with an accent on defining mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces. Focus on leading technical discussions, developing verification plans, and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and seamless integration.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual). Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance preferred.

Salary: $100,000 - $135,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites for missions from LEO to deep space, backed by leading investors with multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.

What you will do

• Serve as primary customer interface for payload integration, leading technical discussions and design reviews.
• Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation across mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission domains.
• Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans, including testing strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams.
• Support full program lifecycle from proposals through on-orbit operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering. Must be U.S. Person per ITAR export controls.
• 2+ years in aerospace/space industry working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
• 2+ years technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience developing, integrating, and testing aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of satellite payload interfaces (mechanical, electrical, software, power).
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance preferred; willing to obtain if not held.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in engineering.
• Experience with National Security customers.
• 5+ years in aerospace/space industry.
• Hands-on spacecraft integration, test, environmental testing, verification, troubleshooting.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Fast-paced Series C startup environment thriving on motivation and high performance.
• Equity in the company.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and reasonable accommodations.