1

Launch Operator Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager, GTM PMO

Carolina, RI ยท On-site +1

$116K - $117K/yr

You are comfortable operating with limited direction on how to execute, while aligning plans and ... Ensure launch-to-run readiness by defining ownership, support needs, hypercare plans, and post ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Launch Operator information

See Rhode Island salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do launch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for launch operator in Rhode Island is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Launch Operator vs Rocket Technician?

AspectLaunch OperatorRocket Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsTechnical diploma or certification in aerospace or mechanical fields
Work EnvironmentLaunch sites, control centers, and testing facilitiesManufacturing plants, testing labs, and launch sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in space agencies, aerospace companies, and defense contractorsIn aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and testing facilities

While both Launch Operators and Rocket Technicians work in the aerospace industry and may share similar environments, Launch Operators focus on overseeing launch procedures and operations, ensuring safety and compliance. Rocket Technicians are more involved in the maintenance, assembly, and testing of rocket components. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the space industry.

What are Launch Operators?

Launch Operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating the equipment and systems used to launch vessels, such as boats or ships, from docks or slipways. They ensure the safe and efficient launching and recovery of watercraft, often working at marinas, boatyards, or ports. Their duties typically include handling winches, ramps, and cradles, coordinating with boat owners or crew, and performing routine maintenance on launch equipment. Safety and attention to detail are crucial in this role to prevent accidents and damage to vessels.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Launch Operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Launch Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams under tight schedules, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and quickly troubleshooting technical issues that arise during launch operations. Effective communication and a thorough understanding of standard operating procedures are essential for managing these challenges. Staying updated with safety training and participating in regular drills can also help Launch Operators remain prepared for unexpected situations, ensuring smooth and safe operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Launch Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Launch Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and often a relevant certification or license such as a marine or boating license. Familiarity with vessel operation systems, radio communication equipment, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, clear communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient handling of vessels and passengers, reducing risk and enhancing operational reliability.
What are popular job titles related to Launch Operator jobs in Rhode Island? For Launch Operator jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Launch Operator jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Launch Operator jobs in Rhode Island are:
Infographic showing various Launch Operator job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,737 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator - Newport, RI with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Newport, RI โ€ข On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications If you love high profile and challenging projects supporting the Navy then Serco has a great opportunity for you! As the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator, you will be on a dynamic team responsible for engineering support, maintenance management and life cycle support of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for our customer in the Newport, Rhode Island area. Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact on our national security. Serco supports the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), including support for the design, acquisition, testing and sustainment of naval undersea warfare systems. You will be leading a team that works closely with the customer to deliver management, engineering, acquisition, and logistics support required to conduct system upgrades, maintenance, and sustainment in support of autonomous underwater vehicles. Serco has been supporting the Naval Sea Systems Command for over 50 years and has been recognized by the Navy for their outstanding contributions. In this role, you will: * Plan and execute AUV missions in support of test and evaluation, fleet experimentation, and research objectives * Conduct launch and recovery operations from government and contracted vessels in accordance with Navy safety procedures * Configure AUV mission parameters, navigation systems, and payloads to meet test requirements * Monitor vehicle performance during operations and respond to off-nominal conditions * Perform pre- and post-mission system checks, calibration, and verification * Retrieve, validate, and organize mission data in accordance with program data management standards * Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software issues in both field and laboratory environments * Support integration and testing of new sensors, payloads, and autonomy capabilities * Maintain AUV systems, including batteries, pressure housings, propulsion components, and communication systems * Document mission execution, discrepancies, and system performance for technical reports and test documentation * Interface with government leads, range personnel, and engineering teams to support mission success * Ensure compliance with NAVSEA, NUWC, and range safety requirements To be successful in this role, you will have: * An Active or Current DoD Secret Clearance. * US Citizenship. * Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline. * Bachelor's degree may be substituted for additional similar/relevant experience.
* 2 years of relevant experience. * Experience supporting unmanned or autonomous systems (AUV, ROV, USV, or UAV). * Familiarity with marine operations and at-sea deployment environments. * Basic knowledge of navigation systems (INS, GPS, Doppler Velocity Log, acoustic positioning). * Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. * Ability to operate in dynamic, mission-driven environments. * Willingness and ability to support at-sea operations, including extended deployments. * Strong technical writing and documentation skills. * Excellent problem-solving ability and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude. * Ability to travel up to 25%. If you are ready to take the next step of your career path, apply today! Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters. To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email. Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice. Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email . Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role): * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract * 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds * Tuition reimbursement program * Life insurance and disability coverage * Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection * Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits * Employee Assistance Plan To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us . Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: .