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Launch Engineer Jobs in Lompoc, CA (NOW HIRING)

Acara Solutions

Launch Engineer EGSE

Lompoc, CA

$130K - $160K/yr

Launch Engineer EGSE II & III Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry: Aerospace & Defense Compensation: Level II $110,151.00 - $130,304.00/Year Compensation

Firefly Aerospace

Launch Engineer, EGSE

Lompoc, CA

SUMMARY Firefly Controls and Instrumentation Engineers on the Launch Team leverage their creative background and expertise to design data acquisition, controls, and automation systems used to support ...

ManTech

Launch Systems Safety Engineer

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$116K - $194K/yr

The Launch Systems Safety Engineer will help protect our national security by providing critical systems safety engineering for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. This role is deeply integrated into ...

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All JobsLaunch Engineer JobsLaunch Engineer Jobs in Lompoc, CA

Launch Engineer information

See Lompoc, CA salary details

$34.8K

$90.3K

$135.4K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch engineer in Lompoc, CA is $90,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $118,800.00 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.

More about Launch Engineer jobs
Launch Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in Lompoc, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,290 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Launch Engineer EGSE

Acara Solutions

Lompoc, CA

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Launch Engineer EGSE II & III
Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Compensation: Level II $110,151.00 - $130,304.00/Year
Compensation: Level III $130,000.00 - $160,000.00/Year
Schedule: 40 Hours/Week
About the Opportunity:
  • The client Controls and Instrumentation Engineers on the Launch Team leverage their creative background and expertise to design data acquisition, controls, and automation systems used to support integration, test, and launch of the client vehicles. Controls and Instrumentation Engineers are responsible for the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems for the client launch team and must apply knowledge of electronic, mechanical, and fluid transport principles to ensure the communication of data is optimally configured. You will have full ownership of your project from the initial concept through all phases of project development. Additionally, EGSE Launch Engineers function as launch operators to support the testing and launch of the Alpha rocket, leveraging succinct communication skills in a fast-paced team environment to achieve payload delivery to orbit.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
  • Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
  • People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
  • Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.
Why This Opportunity is Exciting:
This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritises both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.
About Acara Solutions
Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.
Sound like a good fit?
APPLY TODAY
What You'll Do:
  • Design data and control systems for the launch site, including data and control I/O diagrams, instrument and control cable schedules, instrument loop diagrams, junction box wiring diagrams, and control panel layout and wiring diagrams.
  • Create and conduct in-house testing and development of equipment and software
  • Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for all required instrumentation and electrical equipment
  • Work with launch personnel in performing checkouts, commissioning, and calibration of pad electrical systems
  • Design, develop, and test controls, communications, human-machine interface, and PLC systems for equipment involving electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems
  • Work with operations team to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements, timely build of equipment, and cost efficiency
  • Manage all aspects of controls and data acquisition installation, including design, personnel training, engineering support to launch technicians, and equipment commissioning
  • Perform launch site checkouts and support launch day operations.

What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
  • 1+ years of professional experience with data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, Food and Beverage, or Oil and Gas facilities
  • 1+ years of experience with National Instruments Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) for configuring and troubleshooting devices for use with LabVIEW
  • 1+ years of experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
What Sets You Apart:
  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
  • 3+ years of professional experience with data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, Food and Beverage, or Oil and Gas facilities
  • The ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians on electrical systems
  • Familiarity with Industrial Ethernet and control-specific networking protocols (i.e., ModbusTCP/RTU, RS-485, RS-232, Analog Communication)
  • Working knowledge of AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA- STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, RCC 319/324, etc.
  • Ability to create process flow diagrams (P&IDs, schematics, cause & effect chart, control narrative, instrument index)
  • Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, UL and ISA codes and electrical codes and requirements
  • Ability to assist in building of panels and electrical harnessing based off drawings
  • Proficiency in programming/configuring PLCs and HMI systems across multiple platforms
  • Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
Additional Information:
  • Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen.

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.