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Launch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality ...

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Launch Operator information

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How much do launch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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:
Infographic showing various Launch Operator job openings in the United States as of May 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 Service Mission Manager

Launch Service Mission Manager

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested warfighting domain.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Launch Service Mission Manager to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for owning the interface between the spacecraft and launch providers for all of Anduril's spacecraft. You will be responsible for the coordination of all deliverables to the launch provider and act as the primary point of contact for all things launch to Anduril's spacecraft customers. The Launch Integration team will work closely with related teams, such as the mechanical and structural spacecraft design, systems engineer, electrical design, program management, spacecraft mission operations, etc. to ensure requirements satisfaction across all launch platforms including commercial rideshare, national security space launch.
This role is tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the launch integration plans and procedures for various spacecraft programs launching to all orbital regimes
  • Provide all deliverables to the launch providers to enable launch integrations at various payload processing facilities
  • Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality
  • Triage issues, root cause failures, and coordinate next steps
  • Coordinate with launch providers, customers, and internal spacecraft engineering teams to turn ensure satisfaction of all launch provider requirements for spacecraft and payloads
  • Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems
  • Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (FCC, NOAA, etc) and comply with regulations for launching spacecraft
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other engineering degree
  • 3+ years of professional launch experience
  • Experience conducting launch integration operations with an emphasis on safety and reliability
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements
  • Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
  • Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Willingness to support launch-related travel as needed
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Experience with coding or automating functions to improve efficiency and delivery to customers and launch providers
  • A desire to work on critical spacecraft systems in support of the US government and our allies
  • Experience working with launch vehicles, spacecraft and other systems
  • Experience supporting spacecraft environmental test campaigns
  • Experience designing and integrating mechanical and electrical ground support equipment for spacecraft environmental test campaigns and launch integration campaigns
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

US Salary Range
$129,000-$171,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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