Payload Systems Engineer

Payload Systems Engineer

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively.

We're looking to expand our team across the board.

The Payload Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting the integration, test, and flight operation of spacecraft payload systems. You will work directly with payload hardware, suppliers, test teams, and spacecraft subsystem engineers to make sure payloads are understood, integrated correctly, tested thoroughly, and ready to fly. The work is hands-on and execution-focused. You will be expected to learn quickly, identify problems early, communicate clearly, and take ownership of assigned technical work.

This is not a payload design-only role. You will be involved in supplier hardware reviews, spacecraft integration, functional testing, environmental test support, verification, launch preparation, and on-orbit operations support.

Responsibilities

• Support integration of payload systems into spacecraft buses
• Develop and maintain understanding of assigned payload hardware, including operating modes, power requirements, command and telemetry interfaces, thermal limits, mechanical constraints, data interfaces, and fault responses
• Review supplier documentation including ICDs, drawings, test reports, qualification data, acceptance data packages, user manuals, and nonconformance reports
• Support definition and tracking of payload requirements, interfaces, verification methods, risks, and open technical issues
• Work with electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, networking, mission operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to resolve integration issues
• Assist with payload interface definition, including power, harnessing, grounding, command and telemetry, data links, mechanical mounting, thermal constraints, timing, and operational limits
• Develop and execute payload test procedures, test scripts, checkouts, and verification activities. Support vehicle-level functional testing, environmental testing, integrated system testing, mission simulations, and end-to-end payload testing
• Troubleshoot payload-related issues during integration and test and support root-cause investigations
• Participate in technical meetings with payload suppliers and drive assigned actions to closure
• Support payload hardware acceptance reviews and verification of delivered data packages
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, test records, interface definitions, and engineering status
• Support launch-site preparation, commissioning planning, and on-orbit operations as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another relevant technical discipline
• Engineering internship, academic project, laboratory, student spacecraft, robotics, communications, remote sensing, or early-career experience involving complex hardware systems
• Ability to understand and work from engineering drawings, requirements documents, interface control documents, test procedures, and technical reports. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage assigned work independently, raise issues early, and follow tasks through completion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft payloads, RF communications, optical systems, networking, remote sensing, electronics, embedded systems, or test engineering
• Experience with hands-on hardware integration, lab testing, environmental testing, manufacturing, or vehicle assembly
• Familiarity with requirements management, verification, configuration management, risk tracking, or technical documentation
• Experience with Cube Sat, launch vehicle, UAV, defense, automotive, robotics, communications, or other high-reliability hardware programs
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, CAD tools, data analysis tools, test automation tools, or network analysis tools
• Familiarity with payload command and telemetry, data handling, digital interfaces, RF systems, optical communications, or mission operations

Position Level

• This position is intended for an early-career engineer
• You will work alongside experienced payload systems engineers and subsystem engineers while taking on increasing responsibility for payload hardware, interfaces, testing, and vehicle integration
• Success in this role means…