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Launch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... As a launch mission manager, you will be hands-on supporting payload, vehicle, and launch ...

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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 6, 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.

ATLO (Assembly, Test, & Launch Operations) Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

ATLO (Assembly, Test, & Launch Operations) Engineer - Millennium Space Systems
Company:
Millennium Space Systems
Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.
Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.
We are seeking highly motivated applicants to join our world-class team and help create the future of affordable, high-reliability space systems. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated practical problem-solving experience in their previous roles or projects. This is a full-time position in El Segundo, CA.
Job Summary:
A member of the ATLO (Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations) team is responsible for building and testing complex spacecraft for a variety of mission areas, via electrical, mechanical assembly, environmental, and planning applications. You will play a critical role in developing satellites for manufacturability and large-scale constellations. An Early Career ATLO engineer will report directly to an Engineering Team Lead as a part of the Production organization at Millennium.
This position requires employees to work various shifts on a rotating basis. The shift times are subject to change and additional shifts may be added in accordance with company needs, but employees will only work one shift per day.
Each standard shift is 9.5 hours in length, 0.5 hours of which is designated for a lunch break. Shifts contain 9 hours of work to follow the Millennium 9/80 calendar, meaning every other Friday is a non-working day. The standard shift times are listed below.
  • First Shift: 0600 - 1530
  • Second Shift: 1430 - 0000

This position's internal job code is Systems Engineer. Our team is hiring for levels 1-2.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Conduct electrical verification of spacecraft subsystems using a variety of standard test equipment
  • Work with other teams to mechanically integrate satellite components into complex assemblies in a continuously evolving production environment
  • Generate and maintain version-controlled test scripts for automated spacecraft testing
  • Author test procedures and plans across common satellite subsystems from engineering drawings, schematics, and ICDs
  • Validate requirements through stringent V&V process on both prototype and flight build's
  • Interface with technicians, quality inspectors, and engineers in a cleanroom
  • Contribute to environmental testing campaigns (EMI/C, Dynamics, TVAC) as a test conductor
  • Document, analyze, and provide resolution for non-conformances and implement corrective actions

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Completed bachelor's degree in in the following fields: Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Math or similar. Graduate degree programs also accepted
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or testing of complex systems
  • Ability to read engineering drawings, technical documents, and schematics
  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. A U.S. Security Clearance Post-Start is required

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • For Electrical or Aerospace background: Strong knowledge of electrical engineering circuit design principles, grounding, radio, test equipment, ESD, or spacecraft subsystems
  • For Mechanical Engineering background: Strong knowledge of mechanical assemblies, manufacturing processes, or industry standards
  • Must be willing to work in a small team, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to make sound engineering judgements with limited information
  • Experience with version control, understanding of basic software concepts, python, C++, linux environments, and computer network architecture
  • Willingness to work different shifts, travel to launch site/integration locations, and to support critical mission milestones when surge support is needed

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process
Drug Free Workplace:
Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Total Rewards:
At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range:
  • Level 1: $79, 050 -$116,250
  • Level 2: $90,950- $133,750

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.
Category = Engineering
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement:
Safety Sensitive:
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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