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Rocket Center Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Culpeper, VA Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week Our site near Culpeper, VA , in Orange County is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics ...

Inspection C

Culpeper, VA

$21.63 - $40.38/hr

This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs. We are seeking a Receiving Inspector to join our ...

Inspector B

Culpeper, VA

$18.27 - $33.65/hr

This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs. We are seeking a Receiving Inspector to join our ...

This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs. The position will join an exceptional cross ...

Tool Design Engineer

Orange, VA · On-site

$73K - $135K/yr

Culpeper, VA Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week Our site near Culpeper, VA , in Orange County is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics ...

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Rocket Center information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do rocket center jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for rocket center in Virginia is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rocket center?

A Rocket Center job typically refers to a position at a facility focused on aerospace research, rocket testing, or space exploration. These jobs can range from engineering and technical roles to administrative and support positions. Employees may work on designing, testing, or maintaining rockets, spacecraft, and related systems. Depending on the location, roles may be with government agencies, private space companies, or research institutions.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a rocket center?

Employees at Rocket Centers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex launch schedules, adhering to strict safety standards, and troubleshooting highly technical systems under tight deadlines. Teams work in interdisciplinary groups, which requires clear communication and adaptability to evolving priorities. The fast-paced nature of launches and tests means staff must remain focused and responsive to unexpected issues. While these challenges can be demanding, they also make the role exciting and provide valuable hands-on experience in the space industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rocket center position, and why are they important?

To thrive at a Rocket Center, professionals typically need a background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related STEM field, along with relevant technical certifications or degrees. Experience with rocket propulsion systems, launch pad operations, and safety protocols, as well as familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD and telemetry systems, is valuable. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this environment. These qualifications ensure safe and efficient operations, successful project outcomes, and strong teamwork in the high-stakes aerospace industry.

Infographic showing various Rocket Center job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,792 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Junior Mechanical Engineer (NASA Sounding Rocket Program)

Peraton

Wallops Island, VA • On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

NASA's Sounding Rocket Operations Contract (NSROC) is a sub-orbital space flight program located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), a part of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). NSROC provides suborbital launch vehicles, payload development and field operations support to NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The program enables the collection of Earth, Heliophysics and Astrophysics science.

The Mechanical Engineer will be a team member using principles of mechanical engineering; develop, design, analyze, test, and document sounding rocket payload systems, sub-systems, and GSE systems in support of the NASA Sounding Rocket Operations Contract (NSROC).

Responsibilities of the position:

  • Research, develop, design, and analyze sounding rocket mechanical structures, components, and equipment applying principles and techniques of mechanical engineering to fulfill mission requirements. 
  • Fulfill mission duties and requirements with teams of fellow engineers from Electrical, GNC, Flight Performance, LV Engineers under direction System Engineers and Mission Managers. 
  • Work with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation for design and analysis efforts. 
  • Manage Mass Properties and Gravimetrics of concepts, designs, and actual measurements of flight hardware. 
  • Create Design and Manufacturing Documentation with SolidWorks
  • Submit documentation to Production and provide oversight of fabrication in NSROC Machine Shop and provide assembly drawings and procedures to Mechanical Technicians staff. 
  • Direct and coordinate activities involved in assembly, operation, problem resolution, and repair of sounding rocket mechanical structures and systems; and create required processes and procedures. 
  • Coordinate and participate in environmental testing of sounding rocket components, subassemblies, and full payloads. To include generating test plans and loads, oversight and setup of testing, performing tests, validation of new designs, and interpreting results.
  • Create documentation for design and testing, and present to a panel of peers and customers for review. 
  • Serve as lead mechanical engineer for sounding rocket missions and other program or project efforts.
  • Brief customers on technical development projects and negotiate design modification if needed. May be responsible for cost and schedule requirements. 
  • Provide support for field operations when needed, including payload, ground, and launcher systems support 
  • Balance workload of numerous simultaneous projects & missions at different levels of development, (design, fabrication, testing, etc) 
  • Perform Mechanical engineering support assignments such as material management and procurement, peer review, and development projects 
  • Management of mechanical engineering assignments, and the development of new products and engineering specifications for applicable projects. 
  • Travel may occasionally be 2-4 weeks per year.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physics. (Mechanical or Aerospace engineering preferred)
  • Zero to two years of experience.
  • Working knowledge of SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation or similar design and analysis tools. 
  • Must be a US Citizen and ability to obtain a NASA PIV badge
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$51,000 - $82,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017