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Launch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

SUMMARY The Launch team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who ... Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems ...

Long Wall

Head of Launch Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible ... Lead detailed system design, operating as 'player/coach' with work split biased towards lead ...

GT Independence

Launch & Enablement Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Launch & Enablement Manager is responsible for managing the launch process for new product and ... Comfort operating in complex, regulated, or multi-state environments, preferred. * Experience with ...

Anduril

Launch Service Mission Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Launch Service Mission Manager Costa Mesa, California, United States Anduril Industries is a ... Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ...

GT Independence

Launch & Enablement Manager

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$100K - $130K/hr

The Launch & Enablement Manager is responsible for managing the launch process for new product and ... Comfort operating in complex, regulated, or multi-state environments, preferred. * Experience with ...

GT Independence

Launch & Enablement Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/hr

The Launch & Enablement Manager is responsible for managing the launch process for new product and ... Comfort operating in complex, regulated, or multi-state environments, preferred. * Experience with ...

Long Wall

Head of Launch Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible ... Lead detailed system design, operating as 'player/coach' with work split biased towards lead ...

Long Wall

Head of Launch Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible ... Lead detailed system design, operating as 'player/coach' with work split biased towards lead ...

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Launch Operator information

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$14

$19

$26

How much do launch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for launch operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 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.
More about Launch Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Launch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Launch Operator job openings:
What states have the most Launch Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Launch Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Launch Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Launch Operator jobs are:
Launch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Launch Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Launch Systems Engineer

Launch Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$117K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The NSG Launch Directorate provides direct technical support to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch (OSL) in the areas of Launch Systems Engineering, Mission Integration Engineering, Launch Site Engineering, and Mission Assurance. In your role as a Launch Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering), you will be a member of the OSL Engineering Team and provide direct support to the OSL Chief Engineer. Your responsibilities will be to assist OSL in developing and maintaining the launch capability baseline of current and future launch vehicles to meet NRO requirements. You will also evaluate technical risks, participate in anomaly investigations, and provide status and recommendations to support risk mitigation efforts for OSL missions.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Provide direct support to the OSL Chief Engineer and Launch Directorate Chief Engineer as a member of the OSL Engineering Team
  • Perform fleet monitoring of active launch systems and new launch system development to support NRO launch vehicle certification assessments
  • Evaluate launch system technical issues and participate in launch system anomaly investigations which may affect NRO launch schedules or result in NRO mission risks
  • Work closely with OSL Mission Assurance Team, Launch Management Division, and Launch Acquisition Division to resolve launch system technical issues and mitigate launch system risks
  • Provide timely and responsive status and recommendations to OSL leadership and mission teams
  • Perform readiness assessments at key milestones in support of NRO launch readiness and mission certification processes including day of launch decisions
  • Engage with external United States Space Force, NASA, and Aerospace program offices to address OSL objectives and concerns

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:
  • Bachelor's OR Advanced degree in a STEM field
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in launch vehicle or space vehicle design, analysis, test, integration, or operations
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team to resolve issues
  • Proven ability to interface proactively and communicate complex technical subject matter effectively with all levels of customers, contractors, and peers
  • Willing to travel 20% with extended durations during launch campaigns
  • This position requires a TS/SSBI security clearance along with the ability to obtain a SCI and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in launch vehicle or space vehicle design, analysis, test, integration, or operations
  • Demonstrated ability to assess a large variety of technical data and identify items of highest significance
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently with minimal direct supervision

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Advanced degree in a STEM field
  • Strong personal initiative
  • A current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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