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Launch Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Launch Operations Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Parsons is looking for a talented Launch Operations Engineer to join our growing space launch services team! You'll be joining a program dedicated to providing rideshare opportunities to spacecraft ...

SAIC

Launch Operations Support Engineer

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Launch Operations Support Engineer, you will deliver on-site launch support and customer representation at Vandenberg Space Force Base, serving as a key interface between the program office ...

Long Wall

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity ... Provide launch and mission operations support * Review test data and make go/no-go call on vehicle ...

Long Wall

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity ... Provide launch and mission operations support * Review test data and make go/no-go call on vehicle ...

Long Wall

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity ... Provide launch and mission operations support * Review test data and make go/no-go call on vehicle ...

Vast

Integration Engineer, Launch Operations

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for an Integration Engineer, Launch Operations , reporting to the Senior Integration Engineer , to support vehicle-level integration, launch processing, and launch campaign execution ...

Monaco

Launch Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About The Role We're looking for Launch Operations to own the entire onboarding experience from ... Surface patterns, feedback, and friction points to Product and Engineering * Help shape the product ...

Vast

Integration Engineer, Launch Operations

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $147K/yr

Vast is looking for an Integration Engineer, Launch Operations , reporting to the Senior Integration Engineer , to support vehicle-level integration, launch processing, and launch campaign execution ...

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Launch Site

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$195K - $240K/yr

Launch Operations are the last step in any launch vehicle value stream and require precision in ... Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Engineering or Aircraft Operations ...

IESE Solutions

Launch Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... operations, Day-of-Launch preparation and execution; versed in standard launch interface ... Benefits As a growing small engineering firm, IESE Solutions focuses on people and customers and ...

IESE Solutions

Launch Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... operations, Day-of-Launch preparation and execution; versed in standard launch interface ... Benefits As a growing small engineering firm, IESE Solutions focuses on people and customers and ...

Relativity Space

Sr DevOps Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$136K - $175K/yr

... launch and building the foundation for long-term impact. The Terrestrial Software team is building ... We are looking for a Senior SRE / DevOps Engineer to join our growing team at our headquarters. In ...

KBR

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA

$162K - $223K/yr

Launch Support SME Launch Support SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

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Launch Operations Engineer information

What is a launch operations engineer?

Launch Operations Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the technical aspects of spacecraft or rocket launches. Their work involves preparing, testing, and integrating launch vehicles and payloads, as well as managing countdown procedures and troubleshooting issues that may arise before or during a launch. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and mission success. These engineers often work at launch sites and must be adept at problem-solving in high-pressure environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a launch operations engineer?

To thrive as a Launch Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, systems integration, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with launch vehicle systems, telemetry, control software, and certifications like EIT or PE are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are essential to ensure safe, reliable, and successful spacecraft launches in a high-stakes environment.

What are common challenges faced by launch operations engineers during a rocket launch campaign?

Launch Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating real-time communication across multidisciplinary teams, managing tight launch windows, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues under time pressure. They must also ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements while working in high-stress environments. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective collaboration with engineers, technicians, and mission control staff.

What is the difference between Launch Operations Engineer vs Launch Systems Engineer?

AspectLaunch Operations EngineerLaunch Systems Engineer
Primary FocusOverseeing launch procedures, ground operations, and launch site activitiesDesigning, integrating, and testing launch vehicle systems
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, technical background, certifications in launch operationsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or systems engineering, certifications in systems integration
Work EnvironmentLaunch sites, ground control facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, integration centers
Industry UsageSpace agencies, commercial launch providersManufacturers, aerospace companies, system integrators

The Launch Operations Engineer primarily manages ground and launch site activities, ensuring successful launches. In contrast, the Launch Systems Engineer focuses on designing and testing the vehicle systems. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to the launch process, but they differ in daily responsibilities and work environments.

What cities in California are hiring for Launch Operations Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Launch Operations Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Launch Operations Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Launch Operations Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Parsons
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Parsonsexternal

$88K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate launch campaign planning and execution, including spacecraft processing and integration activities.

  • Develop and coordinate operational schedules to manage internal and external stakeholders.

  • Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and mission execution.

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 454 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for a talented Launch Operations Engineer to join our growing space launch services team!

You'll be joining a program dedicated to providing rideshare opportunities to spacecraft and satellites onboard NSSL launch vehicles (ULA and SpaceX).

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Lead and coordinate launch campaign planning and execution, including spacecraft processing and integration activities.
  • Developing and coordinating operational schedules to manage internal and external stakeholders.
  • Serving as main point of contact with customers and stakeholder groups.
  • Coordinating technical project management tasks and interfacing between engineering, operations, and project teams.
  • Supporting system-level testing, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
  • Managing technical requirements and ensuring alignment between customer needs and operational timelines.
  • Engaging in hands-on operations and supporting technician-level activities as needed.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Active Secret security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree, with additional years of experience able to count in lieu of a degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in integration engineering, launch integration, or spacecraft systems engineering. Additional education can count towards total years of experience.
  • Prior launch campaign experience in launch operations, spacecraft processing, or mission integration.
  • Strong understanding of launch site operations, spacecraft integration, and ground support equipment.
  • Technical project management experience.
  • Strong communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, technical environment.
  • Willingness to travel and support operations at remote sites as required.

What Desired Skills You Might Bring:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience with both government and commercial launch providers.
  • Experience with satellite fueling operations and procedures.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for launch operations.
  • Previous experience supporting launch campaigns for satellites, probes, or crewed vehicles.
  • Experience supporting technical product lines or integration activities.
  • Familiarity with launch and spacecraft integration processes.
  • Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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