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Launch Master Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Launch Mission Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to ... Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline * 8+ years of experience in ...

CookUnity

Smart Fridge Launch Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Own the master launch calendar across all active and pipeline locations * Track launch performance: on-time rate, cost vs. budget, escalation rate per launch Launch & Engagement Once a fridge is live ...

Mill

Commercial Launch & Deployment Manager

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Build and maintain the integrated master launch schedule for all customers bridging Hardware Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Field Operations, and Partner Success teams. * Lead daily/weekly ...

SAIC

Launch Budget Administrative Analyst

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree with min. 6 years of relevant experience; or master's degree with 1 year of ... One year of space launch experience. * Interest in learning Finance and performing budgets. Target ...

Aerotek

Master Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45 - $57/hr

Master Technician (Tech A) | Waymo Fleet Support San Francisco, CA $45-$57/hr (Based on Experience ... Opportunity to help launch and grow a new service operation * Professional shop with a strong focus ...

Mill

Commercial Launch & Deployment Manager

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Build and maintain the integrated master launch schedule for all customers bridging Hardware Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Field Operations, and Partner Success teams. * Lead daily/weekly ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Agile Scrum Master

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$54.75 - $73.25/hr

... launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our ... Aerospace is seeking an experienced Agile Scrum Master to support teams in its information ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Agile Scrum Master

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$54.75 - $73.25/hr

... launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our ... Aerospace is seeking an experienced Agile Scrum Master to support teams in its information ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLaunch Master JobsLaunch Master Jobs in California

Launch Master information

See California salary details

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How much do launch master jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for launch master in California is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a launch master?

Launch Masters are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the successful initiation and deployment of projects, products, or campaigns, especially in industries like aerospace, software, or marketing. They manage timelines, resources, and communication among teams to ensure that launches occur smoothly and meet all requirements. Their role often includes risk assessment, contingency planning, and post-launch evaluation to optimize future launches. Launch Masters play a key role in driving projects to completion on time and within scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a launch master, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Launch Master, you need strong project management skills, technical expertise in launch operations, and a background in aerospace or engineering. Familiarity with mission control software, launch safety protocols, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help coordinate teams and respond effectively to high-pressure situations. These skills ensure safe, timely, and efficient execution of complex launch operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a launch master, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Launch Master often encounters challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, adhering to tight deadlines, and managing last-minute changes. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial for navigating these issues. By establishing clear timelines, regularly updating stakeholders, and fostering a collaborative environment, Launch Masters can ensure that product launches stay on track and adapt swiftly to unexpected obstacles. Building strong relationships with team members and anticipating potential risks also greatly contribute to smoother launches.

What is the difference between Launch Master vs Event Coordinator?

AspectLaunch MasterEvent Coordinator
Primary RoleOversees product or project launches, managing timelines and teamsPlans and executes events, managing logistics and vendors
Required SkillsProject management, communication, technical knowledgeOrganization, communication, vendor management
Work EnvironmentCorporate, tech, or manufacturing settingsEvent venues, corporate or social settings
CertificationsProject management certifications often preferredEvent planning certifications beneficial

The Launch Master and Event Coordinator roles share skills in organization and communication but differ mainly in focus. Launch Masters handle product or project launches in corporate environments, while Event Coordinators focus on planning and executing events. Both roles require strong coordination skills, but their industries and specific responsibilities set them apart.

What are popular job titles related to Launch Master jobs in California?

For Launch Master jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Launch Master jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Launch Master jobs in California are:

Launch Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Launch Master job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,956 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Senior Launch Mission Manager

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support payload, vehicle, and launch integration certification, verification, and execution activities.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for certification, launch provider, and payload provider interactions to ensure compliance and successful mission execution.

  • Assist in reviewing and shaping certification processes, readiness reviews, and contractual requirements to facilitate smooth spaceflight operations.

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role  

K2 has a large set of customer and launch partners, ranging from rideshare hosted payloads to full constellation scale roll out, spanning multiple launch vehicles, procurement methods, licensing methods, and launch sites. We are looking for exceptional individuals to support all of these customer and launch partner interfaces. As a launch mission manager, you will be hands-on supporting payload, vehicle, and launch integration certification, verification, and execution actions.  

You'll own certification across multiple threads, also working closely with our internal design reliability, program managers, and leadership team. You'll be an advocate for K2 and our customer pushing for simplification of process, implementation of lessons learned, and state of the art certification methods to enable our constellation level roll outs. You'll work with our legal teams to enable appropriate licensing and insurance closure. You'll work with our engineering teams to feed back best-practices and lessons learned from integrated spacecraft testing to optimize future payload missions. You'll work with all teams to help ensure successful spaceflight outcomes.  

In this position you'll be the voice of K2 in multiple forums and efforts – ultimately being responsible for ensuring there are no certification, verification, or execution show-stoppers on day of payload integration, spacecraft testing, or launch.  

Responsibilities  

  • Function as K2 point of contact for all things related to certification, to include range safety compliance, launch vehicle user guide compliance, ground operations plan, payload certification plan, customer to launch provider interactions, and qualification reports 
  • Serve as launch provider point of contact, helping ensure launch vehicle ICDs are closed and verified, launch operations plan is robust, and the mission executes flawlessly 
  • Serve as payload provider point of contact in certification forums, ensuring payload meets all applicable requirements from both K2 and the launch provider 
  • Support payload integration readiness reviews, pre-ship reviews, launch and flight readiness reviews, in various capacities 
  • Review and help shape future customer and launch vehicle contracts and SOWs 
  • Shape our certification process for all of the above, helping come up with new methods for K2 to increase velocity 

Qualifications  

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or science 
  • 5+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 
  • 2+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams 
  • Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems and their certification and/or verification processes 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 

Nice to Have  

  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline  
  • 8+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing  
  • 4+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades  
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance  
  • Experience leading Spacecraft qualification, verification, or certification efforts for single or constellation level projects 
  • Experience working with payload or launch provider contracts and SOWs 
  • Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and lessons learned processes 
  • Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions  
  • Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes  
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time 

Compensation and Benefits  

  • Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company  
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level  
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of 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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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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