Lead Payload Systems Engineer
Quick Summary
Serves as the technical project manager for subcontracted development and sustainment efforts Manage technical project scope, planning, proposals, cost estimates, schedules,
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics,
Boeing Defense Space & Security (BDS) has exciting opportunities for Payload Systems Engineers (Lead) to join our Experimental Systems Group (ESG) located in Seal Beach, CA.
ESG supports a variety of government customers spanning technology domains, and is an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment delivering new capabilities to customers rapidly and affordably. The ESG portfolio consists of a range of platforms and technologies including the X-37B, the world’s first fully autonomous reusable spaceplane, which is continuing to shape the future of space technology while flying its eighth mission.
As a part of the Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) team, you will serve as a core point of contact for customers and will work directly with subject matter experts across the business to quickly iterate and converge on achievable solutions that meet our customers’ needs. Our development timelines are aggressive, and you will be asked to develop solutions quickly and with high quality.
In this role you will serve as the technical owner for your assigned product, with an emphasis on system integration, supplier technical management, and cross-organizational interface management. Your products will include both experimental and operational systems, cover a wide range of scales and complexities, and extend through all phases of the product’s lifecycle (early feasibility studies through operation and disposal). You will work both as an individual contributor and team lead.
An ideal candidate has a strong technical background across all spacecraft subsystems with particular depth in interface design, external stakeholder management, and payload performance as well as a strong system background spanning both space and ground domains. You will need to be able to dive into broad, minimally defined design spaces and effectively lead integrated efforts.
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Serves as the technical project manager for subcontracted development and sustainment efforts
- →Manage technical project scope, planning, proposals, cost estimates, schedules, and drive execution
- →Identifies, tracks, and update key subsystem technical performance metrics
- →Works closely with the Payload Integrated Product Team (IPT) to define capability roadmaps, value statements, and implementation plans
- →Coordinates with SMEs and external stakeholders to provide real time support for orbit systems, including investigation and resolution of anomalies
- →Serves as the authority and decision maker for technical trades, design decisions, noncompliance disposition, and failure resolution within assigned products
- →Develops and presents review packages to internal and external senior leadership
- →Works proactively and independently in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere
Requirements
~1 min read- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
- This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active.)
- 10+ years of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience (Ex. PhD +6, master’s +8)
- 3+ year of experience leading projects, teams, or products
- Proficiency in authoring Interface Control Documents (ICDs), specifications, and Statements of Work (SoW)
- Expertise in one or more space payload technology (RF Communication, Lasercomm, PNT, Remote Sensing, etc)
- Experience working directly with government customers on large scale space programs
- Experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, or highly autonomous unmanned systems
Not Applicable 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.
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
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.
What We Offer
~1 min readAt 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 for Experienced (Level 5): $176,800 - $239,200
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $176,800–$239,200 a year
- 39% above the $150,000 median for Systems Engineer jobs on Jobera (1,443 salaries).
- Who can apply
- United States
- Posted
- 13 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 23, 2026
- First seen
- October 23, 2026
- Last seen
- October 30, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 11
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 37%
- Scored at
- November 4, 2026
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