AI&T Payloads Integration and Test Engineer

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.  

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration. 

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space. 

As an AI&T Payload Integration Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful integration and testing of mission payloads onto our Apex 1.0 lunar lander. This includes overseeing pre-integration verification, vehicle-level integration, and acceptance testing for both internally developed and third-party payloads. You will manage the technical and programmatic aspects of payload integration—owning schedule tracking, technical planning and execution, risk management, and ensuring mission objectives are met.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, satellite or payload systems, systems engineering, or complex mechanical/electrical systems. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and is comfortable representing integration efforts to both internal teams and external customers. You will report directly to the Director of Assembly, Integration, and Test and serve as a key point of coordination between payload providers and our engineering teams throughout the integration lifecycle.

• Oversee the integration of all internal, commercial, and customer-provided payloads onto the Apex 1.0 lunar lander.
• Develop and maintain all documentation supporting integration and test activities, including assembly drawings, test plans and procedures, and validation & verification reports.
• Build and manage Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for all payload-to-spacecraft interfaces.
• Perform hands-on integration and testing activities, such as mechanical fit checks, pre- and post-integration electrical checkouts, customer-specific tests, and final launch vehicle integration.
• Identify, design, procure, assemble, and validate ground support equipment required for payload integration and testing.
• Manage daily integration schedules in coordination with internal teams and external payload customers to ensure on-time execution of all tasks.
• Lead the planning and execution of key integration milestones, including Payload Integration Readiness Reviews (PIRRs) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
• Develop and execute integration and acceptance test procedures, and ensure accurate documentation of test results, including the generation of test reports.
• Support on-site integration planning and facilitate daily coordination meetings during critical integration phases.
• Provide technical input for the development and verification of payload-to-spacecraft ICDs.
• Create and execute detailed assembly, integration, and test instructions as needed throughout the payload lifecycle.
• Act as the primary interface for customer support, answering technical questions and coordinating with internal subject matter experts.
• Maintain close collaboration with engineering teams to ensure mechanical and electrical designs meet mission and integration requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial disciplines, or a related technical field (a combination of education and equivalent experience will be considered).
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in the development and integration of aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicle systems.
• Background in program management, engineering management, aerospace vehicle development, or ground systems development.
• Familiarity with aerospace qualification and acceptance testing standards, particularly GSFC-STD-7000.
• Basic working knowledge of industry and government standards including AFSPCMAN 91-710, MIL-STD-882, RCC-319-14, and NASA-STD-8719.13.
• Proven ability to understand and work within technical constraints related to payload integration.
• Strong technical writing and advanced presentation skills.
• Comfortable operating in a highly dynamic, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary environment.

• Experience with risk management practices and change control processes.
• Background in the integration and testing of radio frequency (RF) communication systems.
• Hands-on experience with test equipment used in aerospace system integration and validation.
• Prior involvement in launch vehicle or space hardware integration efforts.
• Demonstrated ability in team building, time management, conflict resolution, effective communication, technical presentations, and strategic decision-making.
• Strong systems thinking capability with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive approach to program execution, with a collaborative mindset focused on cross-functional teamwork and timely decision-making.
• Ability to build trust, foster positive relationships, and contribute to an inclusive, high-performance team culture.

• Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees. 
• Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program. 
• Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail. 
• Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café. 
• Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 14 paid holidays. 
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching. 
• Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel. 
• Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program. 
• Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development. 
• Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind. 

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At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together. 

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.   

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace. 

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.