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Launch Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Launch Engineer - Fluid Systems IV

TX · On-site

SUMMARY The Launch Site Development team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions ... You'll work with world-class design and operations teams to create adaptable designs that deploy ...

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How much do launch operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch operations engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Launch Operations Engineers?

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 are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Launch Operations Engineer, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Launch Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Launch Operations Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Launch Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Director, High-Velocity Launch Operations

DSV Global Transportation

Columbus, OH

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

FRAUD ALERT: Please note that DSV will never request a chat interview or solicit funds from applicants or employees through its interviewing and hiring process. We do not require any form of payment and will not ask for personal financial information, such as credit card or bank account number. Our recruiters have an @dsv.com or @us.dsv.com email address.  If you question the legitimacy of any DSV job posting, please reach out to HR@us.dsv.com.

DSV - Global transport and logistics
In 1976, ten independent hauliers joined forces and founded DSV in Denmark. Since then, DSV has evolved to become the world's 3rd largest supplier of global solutions within transport and logistics. Today, we add value to our customers' entire supply chain by transporting, storing, packaging, re-packaging, processing and clearing all types of goods. We work every day from our many offices in more than 80 countries to ensure a steady supply of goods to production lines, outlets, stores and consumers all over the world. Our reach is global yet our presence is local and close to our customers.  Read more at www.dsv.com

Location: USA - VIRTUAL - US Ohio 

Division: Solutions 
Job Posting Title: Director, High-Velocity Launch Operations - 116838 
Time Type: Full Time

Preferred Locations: Cincinnati, OH, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX

The Director of High-Velocity Launch Operations will lead the strategy, execution, and continuous evolution of DSV's North American Contract Logistics (HT2), high velocity launch offering. This role is responsible for delivering rapidly deployable, scalable launch solutions, supporting new customer implementations, startup facilities, expansions, and major operational transformations across the network.This leader will oversee both centralized project management functions and field-based launch execution teams, ensuring launches are operationally successful, financially sustainable, and aligned with customer expectations.Success in this role requires the ability to drive results across a highly matrixed environment involving operations, engineering, finance, IT, commercial teams, customers, and external partners.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Cross-Functional Influence
  • Lead a team of regionally dispersed Launch Leads as well as Away Team resources.
  • Build organizational capability in rapid launch execution, project governance, and startup stabilization. Specializing in short lead-time launches.
  • Influence operational stakeholders and external partners without direct authority
  • Partner closely with:
    • Operations Leadership
    • Global solutions, implementations, and engineering teams
    • IT/WMS implementation teams
    • Finance
    • Commercial and customer-facing teams
    • Customers
Launch Strategy & Solution Development
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve DSV's high-velocity launch operating model for new customer implementations and facility startups
  • Develop scalable launch frameworks, playbooks, governance models, and standardized deployment methodologies in support of rapid deployments
  • Establish repeatable launch processes that balance:
    • Speed-to-operational readiness
    • Financial forecasting & performance
    • Operational stability
    • Customer experience
  • Partner with commercial and solutions engineering teams during pre-sale and implementation phases to ensure operational readiness, financial planning, and execution alignment
Financial Performance & Launch Sustainability
  • Own launch-related financial performance and sustainability metrics, including:
    • EBIT performance
    • ROIC achievement
    • Startup expense forecasting & management
    • Labor ramp efficiency
    • Launch budget adherence
  • Establish financial governance and tracking mechanisms for pre- and post-launch activities
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to startup costs, implementation overruns, and operational instability
  • Partner with finance and operations leadership to ensure launches transition successfully into steady-state operations
Program & Project Execution
  • Lead both:
    • Virtual launch support functions (project/program management)
    • Physical launch execution teams supporting onsite startup activities
  • Oversee end-to-end launch execution across:
    • Facility startups
    • Customer transitions
    • Expansions and retrofits
  • Ensure launches are delivered on-time, within budget, and aligned to operational KPIs and customer SLAs
  • Drive escalation management and executive-level issue resolution during critical launch phases
Change Management & Scope Governance
  • Design and maintain structured change management methodologies supporting:
    • Customer scope changes
    • Operational requirement changes
    • Implementation modifications
  • Establish governance processes for:
    • Change requests
    • Financial impact assessments
    • Timeline adjustments
    • Resource allocation
  • Ensure cross-functional alignment and communication throughout implementation lifecycle changes
  • Partner closely with customer stakeholders to manage expectations and execution risk
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
    • Launch velocity
    • Startup quality
    • Cost control
    • Customer onboarding experience
  • Develop KPI scorecards and post-launch review processes to capture lessons learned and improve future implementations
  • Establish launch readiness and stabilization metrics across the network
QualificationsEducation & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (preferred)
  • 10-15+ years in supply chain, logistics, or operations analytics (3PL experience strongly preferred)
  • 5+ years leading large-scale customer implementations, facility startups, or launch operations within a 3PL or distribution environment
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills
  • Ability to lead through ambiguity and high-pressure launch environments
  • Strong change management and organizational influence capability
  • Strategic thinker with operational execution discipline
  • Experience in customer-facing roles
Technical & Functional Skills
  • Experience with project management platforms (Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira, etc.)
  • Advanced Excel (modeling, large dataset manipulation) skills
  • Working experience in Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker, etc.)
  • Strong familiarity with WMS platforms 
  • Experience with SQL, data modeling, and data visualization best practices
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Contract logistics operations
    • Distribution startup processes
    • Customer onboarding and implementation lifecycle management
Travel
  • Expected 20-40% travel

For this position, the expected base pay range is $160,783.00 - $200,979.00 Annual. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.

Information regarding DSV's benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.

DSV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with DSV, please contact Human Resources at hr@us.dsv.com. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

DSV - Global transport and logistics

Working at DSV means playing in a different league.

As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let's grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.

With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers' needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you. 

At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don't just work - we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company - this is the place to be.

Start here. Go anywhere

Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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