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Launch Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Launch Engineer - Operations

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

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 ...

Launch Engineer - Operations

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

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 ...

Launch Engineer - Operations

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

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 ...

Senior Manager, Launch Operations Time Type: Full Time Location: Cincinnati, OH Metro / Salt Lake City, UT Metro / Dallas, TX Metro/Chicago, Il Metro Travel: Frequent travel across the distribution ...

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Launch Operations information

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How much do launch operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for launch operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Launch Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Launch Operations, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with launch procedures. Familiarity with technical tools such as mission control software, telemetry systems, and safety protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities help you excel in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, successful, and timely execution of complex launch missions.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Launch Operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Launch Operations often encounter challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, managing tight launch timelines, and troubleshooting last-minute technical issues. Clear communication, robust contingency planning, and strong attention to detail are essential to address these challenges. Collaborating closely with engineering, safety, and mission control teams helps ensure smooth execution and quick resolution of any issues that arise. Developing a proactive mindset and staying adaptable are also crucial for success in this fast-paced environment.

What are Launch Operations?

Launch operations refer to the coordinated activities and processes involved in preparing, managing, and executing the launch of a spacecraft, satellite, or rocket. This includes mission planning, system integration, countdown procedures, and post-launch monitoring to ensure the safety and success of the mission. Launch operations teams work closely with engineers, mission controllers, and range safety officials to address technical and logistical challenges throughout each phase of the launch process.

What is the difference between Launch Operations vs Flight Operations?

AspectLaunch OperationsFlight Operations
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical certifications, sometimes with project management experienceOften requires pilot licenses, aviation certifications, or flight-specific training
Work EnvironmentGround-based, involving coordination of launch activities, equipment, and teamsCan be both ground and in-flight, focusing on managing aircraft or spacecraft during missions
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, space agencies, and commercial launch companiesIn aviation, airlines, and aerospace sectors

Launch Operations and Flight Operations are distinct roles within aerospace. Launch Operations focus on preparing and executing spacecraft or rocket launches from the ground, requiring technical and project management skills. Flight Operations involve managing aircraft or spacecraft during missions, often requiring pilot or flight-specific certifications. Both roles are essential in aerospace but differ in responsibilities, environment, and credentials.

More about Launch Operations jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Launch Operations jobs? The most popular types of Launch Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Launch Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Launch Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Launch Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Launch Operations jobs are:
Infographic showing various Launch Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 43% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Environmental Test & Launch Operations Engineer

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. 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

We are seeking a Spacecraft Environmental Test & Launch Operations Engineer to support spacecraft environmental test campaigns and launch site operations across multiple missions. This team owns the planning, coordination, and execution of spacecraft-level environmental testing and launch preparation activities, supporting spacecraft through critical milestones from integration through launch.

This role combines hands-on spacecraft test execution with mission operations coordination and technical planning responsibilities. The ideal candidate is experienced in spacecraft environmental testing and launch operations, thrives in fast-paced operational environments, and is comfortable supporting frequent travel for offsite test and launch campaigns. In addition to spacecraft-level campaigns, this role will support subsystem and component-level environmental testing between major spacecraft operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute spacecraft environmental test campaigns, including vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
  • Develop environmental test procedures, execution plans, schedules, operational storyboards, and readiness documentation.
  • Support spacecraft processing activities before, during, and after environmental testing, including hardware handling, transportation, lifting operations, test setup, and configuration management.
  • Monitor test execution, support troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, and participate in mission readiness reviews.
  • Support launch site processing and launch campaign execution, including spacecraft closeouts, fueling support, final vehicle preparations, and coordination with launch providers and mission management teams.
  • Serve as a key operational interface between integration, test, systems engineering, mission management, launch operations, and program teams.
  • Track schedules, risks, constraints, action items, and readiness status for assigned campaigns and missions.
  • Support component and subsystem-level environmental testing, including test setup, instrumentation, facility readiness, data collection, and operational execution.
  • Identify and implement improvements to environmental test operations, launch processing workflows, campaign execution efficiency, and operational standardization.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting spacecraft environmental testing, launch operations, spacecraft integration, or related aerospace activities.
  • Experience planning and executing spacecraft-level environmental test campaigns.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft handling, test operations, launch campaign workflows, and operational readiness processes.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.
  • Familiarity with the General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS) and AFSPCMAN 91-710 range safety compliance documentation
  • Ability and willingness to travel frequently in support of offsite test and launch campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) operations.
  • Experience with TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, and EMI/EMC testing.
  • Experience supporting launch site operations and launch campaigns.
  • Experience with hypergolic fueling and SCAPE operations.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft contamination control, hazardous operations, and facility operations.
  • Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and environmental test facilities.
  • Experience supporting production-oriented spacecraft programs or mission operations organizations.

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