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Launch Operations Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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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 Florida are hiring for Launch Operations Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Launch Operations Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Launch Vehicle Project Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

ManTech
IT Services • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


ManTech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

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Job description

Description & Requirements
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now-protect and innovate with MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a highly talented Launch Vehicle Project Engineer with experience related to Launch Vehicle (LV) systems to help the Space Force redefine the future of National Security Space Launch (NSSL). This position is based in Cape Canaveral, FL.

This position will support the United States Space Force (USSF) System Delta 80 New Entrant Launch Operations Division.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Provide Launch Vehicle Systems Engineering Expertise at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, in areas such as propulsion, avionics, structures, mechanical systems, guidance navigation and control (GNC), mission analysis, software, manufacturing engineering, mission assurance, and launch operations.
  • Perform core systems engineering functions including requirements definition, design and test reviews, hardware acceptance, performance assessments, verification, operations, post-flight analyses, and failure analysis. Provide risk assessments and mitigation planning throughout the engineering lifecycle.
  • Support missions and launch operations by preparing Customer teams for launch contractor reviews, audits, site walkdowns, rehearsals, launch operations, and anomaly resolution. Perform technical and engineering data management by ensuring separation and protection of proprietary information.
  • Collaborate with The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace), new launch contractors, launch site personnel, production teams, and suppliers to achieve mission objectives.
  • Serve as a technical authority by assisting U.S. Space Force (USSF) customers with Chief Engineer briefings, Weekly Status Reviews, and Space Systems Command processes. Use sound judgment and analytical decision-making to address multi-disciplinary engineering challenges.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Launch Vehicle (LV) and range systems through experience with LV systems such as liquid propellant rocket engines, ordnance, hydraulics, in-flight avionics, ground support equipment, structures, and composite materials, as well as knowledge of USSF and NASA launch and range systems, operations, and testing processes.
  • Perform engineering tasks with independence, initiative, collaboration, proactive problem solving, and customer support. Utilize strong capability to assess requirements, design drawings, processes, procedures of engineering systems, and perform risk assessments, design reviews, and failure analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical) or STEM field. 1.5 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of each 1 year of education/degree requirement 
  • 5+ years systems engineering, technical program management, or other related areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with space, launch, and safety standards.
  • Experience with USSF, NASA, National Reconnaissance Office, and LCs preferred.
  • Experience with agile software products, such as Warp Core, Jira, Confluence, MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Google Workspace, and Information Technology systems is highly preferred.
  • Ability to create and deliver thoughtful and articulate written and verbal presentations and reports to senior engineers and management.
  • Previous project management experience preferred.

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
  • Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
  • Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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