Lead Payload Systems Engineer (Sonoma)

Lead Payload Systems Engineer (Aerospace / HAPS)Most aerospace companies build things that fly. We build things that float above the clouds - and stay there.We operate high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) in the stratosphere at 18–21km - persistent, deployable, and capable of changing how the world connects and observes itself. Our customers include global telecoms, climate researchers, and civil and defense agencies. We move fast, fly real hardware, and operate at the edge of what's technically possible.We're looking for a Lead Payload Systems Engineer to own the full payload lifecycle across our programmes - from interface definition and integration through flight readiness and mission delivery.What makes this role unusual:You'll work across EO, telecom, hyperspectral, LiDAR, and radar payloads - not just one sensor typeYour work flies. Real platforms, real missions, real impactYou'll be the technical authority - not a cog in a large prime contractor hierarchySceye is small enough that your decisions matter and large enough that the resources are realWhat you'll own:End-to-end payload integration: mechanical, electrical, thermal, RF, and data interfacesIV&V planning and execution across lab, ground, and flight environmentsVendor management, ICD ownership, and design review leadership (PDR, CDR, TRR)Payload documentation, configuration management, and flight readiness sign-offWhat we're looking for:10+ years in payload systems, integration, or operations on flight hardwareDeep familiarity with EO/IR sensors, comms payloads, or multi-sensor systemsSystems engineering fundamentals: requirements, verification, configuration managementExperience with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA) and systems modelling toolsStrong communicator who can lead across disciplines and manage external vendors