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Launch Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

SAIC is seeking a Launch Operations Support Engineer at Vandenberg Space Force Base CA to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program ...

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Launch Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$25K

$65K

$97.5K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch engineer in Florida is $65,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 teamsβ€”such as propulsion, avionics, and ground supportβ€”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 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 popular job titles related to Launch Engineer jobs in Florida?

For Launch Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Launch Engineer jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Launch Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Launch Engineer jobs in FL?

For Launch Engineer jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in Florida as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,042 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Launch Engineer - Tooling & Fabrication

Cape Canaveral, FL β€’ On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, fabricate, test, and utilize launch site tooling and ground support equipment.

  • Upgrade, modify, maintain, and utilize existing launch site tooling and GSE to improve launch operations.

  • Work closely with REs, technicians, and vendors/contractors to plan, coordinate, and execute fabrication, preparation, testing, and installation of GSE and pad systems.


Job description

Description

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space.Β  A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system.Β  As a launch engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for ensuring rapid development, readiness, and operation of a range of tooling and ground support equipment key to the functioning of the launch team to meet its high-paced and critical objectives. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other roles.Β  You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.Β 

Responsibilities

  • Design, fabricate, test, and utilize launch site tooling from fabrication/assembly aids to test fixtures to vehicle-interfacing GSE.
  • Upgrade, modify, maintain, and utilize existing launch site tooling and GSE to execute and improve launch operations.
  • Work closely with REs, technicians, and vendors/contractors to plan, coordinate, and execute fabrication, preparation, testing, and installation of GSE from tooling to pad systems.
  • Generate, execute, and maintain workflow documentation.
  • Continuously improve launch operations functions to enable high-cadence launch and recovery operations.

Qualifications Β 

  • 2+ years of experience as an engineer at a launch site or a facility supporting launch hardware, or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications.
  • Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals across disciplines with an emphasis on mechanical.
  • Experience with NX/Teamcenter or similar 3D CAD and configuration control management software.
  • Experience with designing for and a solid understanding of machining, welding, GD&T, and other design-fabrication processes.
  • Familiarity with basics of hydraulics and pressurized systems.
  • Familiarity with mechanical industrial standards (ASME, AWS, etc.) as well as AFSPCMAN 91-710 and range requirements.
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or similar field.
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time.
  • Ability to prioritize and execute
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL

Preferred Qualifications Β 

  • 4+ years of experience as an engineer at a launch site or a facility supporting launch hardware, or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications.
  • Proficiency with NX/Teamcenter or similar 3D CAD and configuration control management software.
  • Experience with Ansys, Femap, or other FEM analysis tools.
  • Experience with hydraulics and pressurized systems.
  • Familiarity operating industrial equipment (forklifts, cranes, aerial lifts).

Benefits

  • Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.Β 
  • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insuranceΒ 
  • Company-paid life and disability insuranceΒ 
  • 401(k) plan with employer matchΒ 
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off Β 
  • Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)Β 
  • Paid Family/Parental Leave Β 
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)Β 
  • Dog friendly offices!Β 

Compensation

Target Levels:

  • Level 1 Range: $95,550 - $120,645
  • Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.Β 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.