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Launch Vehicle Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stoke Space

Senior Structures Design Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$151K - $252K/yr

Description Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As a Senior Structures Design Engineer on this launch vehicle, you will provide technical leadership ...

Stoke Space

Structures Design Engineer

Kent, WA · 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 ...

Xbow

Launch Vehicle Avionics Engineer

Huntsville, AL

X-Bow Systems is seeking a Launch Vehicle Avionics Engineer with at least 10 years of experience ... The candidate should have expertise in avionics design and integration, cable harness design and ...

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Launch Vehicle Design Engineer information

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$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.

Senior Structures Design Engineer

Kent, WA • On-site

Stoke Space
See more jobs at Stoke Spaceexternal

$151K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define the structural design of the rocket in coordination with owners of other portions of the vehicle

  • Analyze structural components of the rocket and write margin summaries, including building and defining load cases

  • Procure, manage, build, test, and integrate hardware for structural components and manage related non-conformances

Job description

Description

Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As a Senior Structures Design Engineer on this launch vehicle, you will provide technical leadership and help build engineering guidelines for the design of pressurized structures, primary structures, thrust structures, secondary structure and load path definition. You will also be a Responsible Engineer for significant sub-systems on our vehicles which will require owning a hardware project from requirements definition, through development, design, analysis, build, test, integration onto the vehicle, and flight. We are a small and motivated team, and you will need to work across disciplines with engineers and technicians to get the job done. You will have the opportunity to help build and test your own hardware so be ready to pick up a wrench and stand side by side with our fabrication team. This role will also provide mentorship to our younger team members and interns.

Qualifications

  • 8 years minimum experience in working in aerospace primary structures 
  • Designed, built and tested structures that have flown
  • Exceptional command of fundamentals
  • Demonstrated proficiency with CAD software (NX preferred) and analysis software (ANSYS preferred), should be able to talk to multiple examples of both
  • Ability to determine appropriate level of work for a problem (from hand calcs to multi-physics finite element solutions) and execute the work accordingly
  • Familiarity with launch vehicle design desired (cryogenic propellant familiarity preferred)
  • Experience with technical mentoring of junior engineers
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering

Responsibilities

  • Define the structural design of the rocket in coordination with owners of other portions of the vehicle
  • Analyze structural components of the rocket and write margin summaries. You will have to help build and define load cases.
  • Procure and manage all hardware for components and structures that you own
  • Work side-by-side with manufacturing & test engineers to get your hardware built, tested and integrated onto the vehicle
  • Help build design tools and guidelines that will accelerate development of structural components
  • Track and disposition non-conformances for structural hardware
  • Manage the budget and schedule for the structural components that you own

Benefits

  • Equity - We are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
  • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer match 
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off  
  • Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
  • Paid Family/Parental Leave  
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
  • Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

Target Levels:

  • Level 4 range: $151,305 - $252,105
  • Level 5 range: $176,505 - $327,810

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

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