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Launch Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Sulzer AG

LAUNCH Program (Rotational)

La Porte, TX · On-site

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable ...

Programmers.io

Slack IT Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Slack Engineer ● 5+ years of experience in enterprise Slack administration, including security, compliance, and governance. "We are seeking a Slack IT Engineer with deep expertise in Slack ...

Insight Global

Manufacturing Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

Manufacturing Launch Engineer Duration: 1 year minimum + extensions - long term contract Location: Arlington, TX Duration: Long-term contract with opportunity for direct hire Compensation: $32-40/hr ...

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All JobsLaunch Engineer JobsLaunch Engineer Jobs in Texas

Launch Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$31.2K

$81.1K

$121.6K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch engineer in Texas is $81,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $106,700.00 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.
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Launch Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,089 per year, or $39 per hour.

Launch Engineer, Operations IV

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
The position can be located in the following states CO, CA, TX, FL, VA.
SUMMARY
The Launch Site Development team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. Lead the development and execution of mission-critical test and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, from historical US-based pads to greenfield builds, including Wallops Flight Facility and Esrange, Sweden. Take ownership of the integrated operations layer that ties every subsystem together. Write the procedures, build the automation, sit on console, and drive the cross-functional decisions that get vehicles off the pad safely. You'll work across every ground and vehicle subsystem, serving as the connective tissue between fluids, propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and ground systems teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations across a global launch portfolio including Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (FL), and Esrange Space Center (Sweden)
  • Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams - including GSE design engineers, vehicle engineers, software teams, technicians, and external partners - to drive ground-system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites
  • Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad as an on-console operator
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and lead anomaly investigations
  • Own the development of automation sequences and operational software tools to support test and launch execution
  • Write procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations
  • Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
  • Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements
  • Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations
  • Direct the work of Operations team members and support hiring efforts
  • Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear, defense)
  • On-console experience in real-time operations
  • Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) with demonstrated application to operational tooling, data analysis, or automation
  • Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials
  • Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations

Desired
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • System-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controls
  • Experience with distributed control systems, SCADA platforms, or custom data acquisition and control architectures
  • Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
  • Experience with standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)
  • Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC)
  • Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
  • Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, Git, etc.)
  • Ability to obtain security clearance

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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