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Launch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions. * Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that ...

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$162K - $223K/yr

KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions. * Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that ...

The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Head of Launch ...

The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Head of Launch ...

The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Head of Launch ...

Showing results 21-40

Launch Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$85.9K

$128.8K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch engineer in California is $85,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a launch engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Launch Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with launch vehicle systems, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry-standard safety and quality certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in high-pressure, collaborative environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and success of complex launch operations.

What is a launch engineer?

A launch engineer coordinates different business departments and helps them successfully launch new products or services on time and within budget. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in business or similar fields and years of experience with launch processes. In the aerospace industry, a launch engineer designs and implements rocket launch systems. They plan development tests, review flight and test data, and produce launch procedures and criteria. Whichever industry you work in as a launch engineer, you need top-notch communication and organizational skills. Planning and status reporting are key functions of your daily duties. You take on a blend of management and quality assurance roles. Because of your position, you’re the critical point that ensures the launch, whether for a product or a rocket ship, is on budget and on time.

What is the difference between Launch Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectLaunch EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, specialized training in launch systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft/rocket launch sites, aerospace facilitiesManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace companies, defense contractorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Launch Engineers focus on preparing and executing spacecraft and rocket launches, requiring specialized knowledge of launch systems and safety protocols. Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries, including aerospace, but with broader application. While both roles require engineering degrees, Launch Engineers typically have more specific training related to launch operations, making them distinct yet related roles within the aerospace sector.

What are some common challenges a launch engineer faces during the final countdown and launch operations?

Launch Engineers often encounter high-pressure situations during the final countdown, where quick decision-making and effective communication are critical. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—such as propulsion, avionics, and ground support—is essential to address last-minute technical issues and ensure all systems are 'go' for launch. Managing unexpected anomalies while maintaining strict safety protocols can be challenging, but these experiences also develop strong problem-solving skills and resilience. Working in this role provides exposure to real-time operations and opportunities for career advancement into leadership positions or specialized technical roles.
What are popular job titles related to Launch Engineer jobs in California? For Launch Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Launch Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Launch Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Launch Engineer jobs in CA? For Launch Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,898 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Launch Support SME

KBR

El Segundo, CA

$162K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Launch Support SME

Launch Support SME

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end-to-end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from planning to execution to include, but not limited to, preparations for launch, launch processing, and launch operations. Candidate will be an integral participant in spacecraft to launch vehicle requirements, interface development, system integration, and validation and verification through extensive testing. Additional key areas of focus include spacecraft integration to new launch vehicle interfaces, reviewing and assessing launch planning; reviewing operations and safety documentation; verifying interface requirements; monitoring of factory and launch site operations; assisting in preparation and training of customer's launch team; and participating in operations, training, and pre-launch activities. Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of external factors such as contamination control, spacecraft preparations for transport to launch facility, and launch base processing and operations to include flight operations of space vehicles and the launch exercises necessary for launch team preparations.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Reviews and coordinates changes to specifications, ICDs, and system level requirements documentation for spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces and integration

  • Tracks development issues and serves as an active participant SME in unit, subsystem, and system level design reviews

  • Supports launch and spacecraft on-orbit test as required

  • Identifies and assesses emerging risks and develops and evaluates proposed burn-down plans

  • Reviews developer's readiness to proceed into spacecraft test at various levels of assembly

  • Collaborates with Government leadership team on integration roadblocks and risk mitigation plans for successful mission execution with launch schedules

Required Qualifications:

  • Active TS clearance w/ SCI eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major

  • Over 15 years of space launch experience (launch vehicle design, build, and test)

  • Experience with classified spacecraft assembly, spacecraft transportation, and launch base processing integration and test

Desired Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major with over 12 years of experience in space launch (launch vehicle, design, build, and test)

  • Strong attention to detail with extensive understanding of end-to-end launch preparations, execution, test, and all required integration of interfaces

  • Experience and familiarity in DoD and IC acquisition and program management processes

  • Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplined engineering teams at all levels of the customer organization to deliver results

  • Strong networking, interpersonal, customer service skills, team building and problem-solving skills with an ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment

Basic Compensation:

$162,500 - $223,500 annually (This range is for theCAarea only)

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998