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Launch Vehicle Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Launch Vehicle Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the ... Ability to work across design, integration, test, and operations * Comfort operating in ambiguous ...

Structures Design Engineer

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Description Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As an aerospace Structures Design Engineer on this launch vehicle, you will own the design, analysis ...

Vehicle Design Engineer II

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Role Summary Specter Aerospace is seeking a Vehicle Design Engineer II to join our growing design team. In this role, you will contribute to the development of components and systems for hypersonic ...

NY ยท On-site

Proficient with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferred). * Proficient creating and implementing ... role engineering, building, and operating launch vehicle and/or ground support equipment in ...

Launch Vehicle Project Engineer

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$116K - $194K/yr

Perform systems engineering functions such as requirements definition, design review, test review ... Provide an overall analysis/evaluation of the current launch vehicle Article/Tail # by ...

X-Bow Systems is seeking an experienced Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer with at least 10 years of ... Drive design-for-manufacturability, design-for-testability, and design-for-operations principles ...

Showing results 21-40

Launch Vehicle Design Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$87K

$130.5K

How much do launch vehicle design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch vehicle design engineer in the United States is $87,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a launch vehicle design engineer do?

A Launch Vehicle Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing rockets and other vehicles that carry payloads into space. They work on various aspects such as structural design, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and integration of complex subsystems. Their work involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the vehicle meets safety, performance, and mission requirements. They also use advanced modeling and simulation tools to optimize designs and support testing and manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a launch vehicle design engineer?

To thrive as a Launch Vehicle Design Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and simulation platforms like MATLAB or ANSYS is essential, along with familiarity with industry standards and possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills are vital for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design of launch vehicles, which is crucial for mission success and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by launch vehicle design engineers during the development process?

Launch Vehicle Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance, safety, and cost constraints while meeting strict project deadlines. They must frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as propulsion, avionics, and systems engineers, to resolve integration issues and ensure that all subsystems work seamlessly together. Additionally, adapting to evolving requirements and rapidly changing technologies requires strong problem-solving skills and flexibility. Navigating these challenges successfully is key to delivering reliable launch vehicles that meet mission objectives.

What is the difference between Launch Vehicle Design Engineer vs Propulsion Engineer?

AspectLaunch Vehicle Design EngineerPropulsion Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; specialized knowledge in vehicle designBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering; focus on propulsion systems
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation environments, and manufacturing facilitiesTest facilities, laboratories, and integration sites
Industry UsageDesigning entire launch vehicles for space missionsDeveloping and testing propulsion systems for rockets and spacecraft

While both roles require aerospace engineering expertise, the Launch Vehicle Design Engineer focuses on overall vehicle architecture, whereas the Propulsion Engineer specializes in rocket engines and propulsion systems. Both collaborate closely in space mission development but have distinct technical focuses.

What cities are hiring for Launch Vehicle Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Launch Vehicle Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Launch Vehicle Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Launch Vehicle Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Launch Vehicle Design Engineer jobs?

For Launch Vehicle Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Launch Vehicle Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,037 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Launch Vehicle Engineer

Kent, WA โ€ข On-site

Socket.dev
Network Securityย โ€ขย 1 - 10 employees

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Launch Vehicle Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp Mission

Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are tackling one of humanity's most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Cowboy Space Corporation is transforming how civilization powers, computes and connects - from orbit to Earth.

Background

cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport. Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will revolutionize how we operate in orbit and on Earth, supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base, ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) operations, remote regions, and military bases. Baiju Bhatt founded Cowboy Space Corporation in 2024. Inspired by his father's work with NASA Langley Research Center, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before co-founding Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system. Cowboy Space Corporation has raised ~$365 million from Index Ventures, Interlagos, Construct Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and others. This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Cowboy Space Corporation's team has worked at places like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Astranis and NASA, and is based in San Carlos, CA. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.

Launch Vehicle Roles

We are hiring across multiple launch vehicle disciplines and are looking for engineers with experience designing, building, testing, or operating launch vehicle systems and flight hardware.

This is a broad opportunity for highly technical engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments and want ownership over mission-critical aerospace hardware.

Depending on background and experience, engineers may work across:

  • Launch vehicle systems engineering

  • Structures and mechanisms

  • Avionics and embedded systems

  • Propulsion integration

  • Fluids and thermal systems

  • Vehicle integration and test

  • Stage systems and payload integration

  • Manufacturing and production engineering

  • Ground systems and launch operations

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong aerospace engineering fundamentals

  • Hands-on experience with flight hardware or launch systems

  • Ability to work across design, integration, test, and operations

  • Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

  • Ownership mindset with a willingness to solve problems outside defined boundaries

Compensation and Benefits
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

  • Paid time off

  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year

  • Paid parental leave

  • Relocation assistance if applicable

  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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