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Launch Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/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 information

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$9

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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:
Launch Operations jobs near you
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.
Launch Reliability Engineer (Launch Pads & Recovery)

Launch Reliability Engineer (Launch Pads & Recovery)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL

Other

Posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

LAUNCH RELIABILITY ENGINEER (LAUNCH PADS & RECOVERY)

The Launch Reliability organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, inter-disciplinary team that is committed to the reliability of flight and ground components and promotes efficient and reliable operational processes. Your breadth of exposure as a Launch Reliability Engineer will be immense as you collaborate with other core groups at SpaceX, guiding the hardware from design to production, operation, and maintenance. You use data to understand the factors that drive reliability, and support quality objectives in design and development teams to drive improvements in reliability in manufacturing, test and flight. You have the ability to dive deep into the details to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical problems and also utilize a system level approach to prioritize issues for the vehicle as a whole. You thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and on the launch pads and recovery decks to execute on the mission to make humanity interplanetary. You will partner with Flight Reliability, Launch Engineering, and Launch Operations teams at SpaceX to ensure mission success as SpaceX marches towards crewed spaceflight and Mars colonization. You will also have the opportunity to work on diverse projects including our Falcon 9, Dragon and Starship programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Reliably launch astronauts and other payloads by ensuring the systems, processes, and infrastructure critical to launch operations and rocket recovery are efficiently designed, maintained, and executed
  • Interact with the various disciplines responsible for the development and build of Starship and Falcon launch pad systems to ensure optimized process health
  • Identify high-risk processes and problems during launch pad and recovery system refurbishment and integrated operations, and proactively implement improvements to these processes to ensure operational excellence 
  • Find smart solutions to the biggest problems by leading root cause and corrective action investigations
  • Maintain a feedback loop to drive hardware inputs that enable a reliable and rapid launch cadence; using data to make the quality landscape transparent and drive prioritization of resolving high impact issues
  • Participate in preliminary design review (PDR)/critical design review (CDR) and work with design reliability to ensure design for quality (DFQ), design for manufacturability (DFM), risk quantification/mitigation, and that appropriate test validation methods and inspection techniques, including nondestructive evaluation methods have been considered
  • Be dedicated to adopting a Lean approach to quality without compromising safety or reliability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  • 1+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or design engineering role

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g. aerospace, mechanical, etc.)
  • Experience supporting production of complex electro-mechanical, mechanical or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up
  • Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem solving approaches

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg 
  • Available to work extended hours, nights, and weekends when required by mission milestones
  • Position may require standing, bending and working directly with hardware on the floor for extended periods of time

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