Senior Payload Design Engineer
Full-time
In-person or hybrid

At Interstellar Lab, our mission is to build a future full of life, on Earth and beyond.
We believe in a world where technology enables humans to live in harmony with nature, where biodiversity thrives and expands, and where terrestrial life becomes multi-planetary.

To build this future, we design autonomous biospheric systems to grow plants with precision, on Earth and in Space. Our AI-powered BioPods and BioCapsules leverage biosciences to reproduce and optimize growth conditions for a wide variety of high-value plants.

On Earth, we pioneer molecular and biofarming, boosting the production of metabolites and bioactive compounds while offering sustainable, traceable, and high-quality natural ingredients to the beauty, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

In space, we collaborate with agencies and private companies to develop biofarming units that advance life science research in microgravity and lay the foundation for future biofactories in space, enabling innovative terrestrial applications and long-duration space missions.

About the Role
As Senior Payload Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of experimental payloads for near-Earth and orbital missions, including our current collaboration with VAST. The role spans concept definition, mechanical and systems design, testing, and mission operations. Working with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, you will ensure that payloads meet mission objectives, safety requirements, and performance targets. This position is suited for engineers experienced with institutional or commercial space programs who thrive in fast-paced, cross-disciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead payload design and integration from concept to flight operations
• Define and manage system and interface requirements across disciplines
• Conduct testing, verification, and validation of flight hardware
• Support mission planning and coordination with launch providers
• Ensure compliance with commercial spaceflight and safety standards
• Resolve technical issues during assembly and qualification phases
• Maintain technical documentation, reports, and configuration updates
• Participate in design reviews and continuous system optimization

Profile / Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or systems engineering
• 6+ years of experience in payload or flight hardware design for space missions
• Strong understanding of mechanical and fluidic systems, structures, and electronics packaging
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and assembly management
• Knowledge of testing, qualification, and certification standards for spaceflight
• Experience in payload integration and mission coordination with launch providers
• Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork skills
• Prior experience with NASA, ESA, or commercial programs such as SpaceX or Blue Origin preferred

Equal Opportunity
Interstellar Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Interstellar Lab does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.