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Launch Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Relativity Space

Sr DevOps Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $214K/yr

Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch ... We are looking for a Senior SRE / DevOps Engineer to join our growing team at our headquarters. In ...

Relativity Space

Sr DevOps Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $214K/yr

Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch ... We are looking for a Senior SRE / DevOps Engineer to join our growing team at our headquarters. In ...

United States Digital Space LLC

You will be responsible for maintaining certification of the Launch Site and providing operational ... Master's degree in an engineering field * Technical project management and master scheduling ...

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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 Support SME

El Segundo, CA • On-site

KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about KBR, Inc.external

$162K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 454 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Launch Support SME
Launch Support SME
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award
KBR is looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end-to-end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from planning to execution to include, but not limited to, preparations for launch, launch processing, and launch operations. Candidate will be an integral participant in spacecraft to launch vehicle requirements, interface development, system integration, and validation and verification through extensive testing. Additional key areas of focus include spacecraft integration to new launch vehicle interfaces, reviewing and assessing launch planning; reviewing operations and safety documentation; verifying interface requirements; monitoring of factory and launch site operations; assisting in preparation and training of customer's launch team; and participating in operations, training, and pre-launch activities. Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of external factors such as contamination control, spacecraft preparations for transport to launch facility, and launch base processing and operations to include flight operations of space vehicles and the launch exercises necessary for launch team preparations.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Reviews and coordinates changes to specifications, ICDs, and system level requirements documentation for spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces and integration
  • Tracks development issues and serves as an active participant SME in unit, subsystem, and system level design reviews
  • Supports launch and spacecraft on-orbit test as required
  • Identifies and assesses emerging risks and develops and evaluates proposed burn-down plans
  • Reviews developer's readiness to proceed into spacecraft test at various levels of assembly
  • Collaborates with Government leadership team on integration roadblocks and risk mitigation plans for successful mission execution with launch schedules

Required Qualifications:
  • Active TS clearance w/ SCI eligibility
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major
  • Over 15 years of space launch experience (launch vehicle design, build, and test)
  • Experience with classified spacecraft assembly, spacecraft transportation, and launch base processing integration and test

Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major with over 12 years of experience in space launch (launch vehicle, design, build, and test)
  • Strong attention to detail with extensive understanding of end-to-end launch preparations, execution, test, and all required integration of interfaces
  • Experience and familiarity in DoD and IC acquisition and program management processes
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplined engineering teams at all levels of the customer organization to deliver results
  • Strong networking, interpersonal, customer service skills, team building and problem-solving skills with an ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment

Basic Compensation:
$162,500 - $223,500 annually (This range is for the CA area only)
The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation:
KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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