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Launch Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with Vehicle, Test, Manufacturing, Production, and Launch engineers & technicians to ... establish individual task scope and feasibility. * Demonstrate a willingness to seek creative ...

Collaborate with Vehicle, Test, Manufacturing, Production, and Launch engineers & technicians to ... establish individual task scope and feasibility. * Demonstrate a willingness to seek creative ...

Collaborate with Vehicle, Test, Manufacturing, Production, and Launch engineers & technicians to ... establish individual task scope and feasibility. * Demonstrate a willingness to seek creative ...

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Information Technology, Business ... Launch Program Management Experience:5+ years of hands-on experience driving hardware and software ...

Showing results 41-60

Launch Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$31.2K

$81.1K

$121.6K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 TX?

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

Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,089 per year, or $39 per hour.

Structures Engineer I (Launch Vehicles)

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th 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.

SUMMARY

Firefly is looking for talented Mechanical or Aerospace Engineers to join our Primary Structures Team. As an entry-level Structures Responsible Engineer for Primary Structures, you will develop our state-of-the-art pressurized structures throughout the product life cycle for Launch Vehicles. You will be part of a highly skilled, dynamic team that will involve you in all aspects of analysis, design, fabrication, and testing. Excellent collaboration and communication skills, along with a can-do attitude are critical.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Formulate the comprehensive cradle to grave Road Map for your hardware - owning conceptual design, structural layout, sizing analysis, hardware production, and structural testing
  • Design and development of very large composite pressurized structures
  • Mass optimization of existing designs and requalifying designs
  • Supporting products from conceptual creation, design release, analysis, prototype, qual and production
  • Support configuration development and trade studies
  • Maintain requirements, activity schedule, budget, and status
  • Create CAD, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and other documentation
  • Perform first order strength and sizing calculations for your structure

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • B.S. degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • Internship(s) in a structural system design-related role
  • Strong design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Siemens NX / FiberSim preferable).
  • Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.
  • Experience with industry FEA/FEM tools like Nastran, ANSYS, FEMAP, Simcenter, etc.
  • A passion for the structures!

Desired

  • Experience taking hardware from analysis, through test, and back through analysis validation
  • Familiarity with aerospace standard structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, etc)
  • Working knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, material selection, testing, and characterization
  • Demonstrated experience with composite structures and manufacturing techniques

Bonus Points

  • Experience with Pressurant or Propellant tanks
  • Experience with filament wound and/or AFP structures
  • Passion for very big Pressurized Structures.

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