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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Junior Mechanical Engineer (NASA Sounding Rocket Program)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$51K - $82K/yr
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 ...
Junior Mechanical Engineer (NASA Sounding Rocket Program)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$51K - $82K/yr
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 ...
Specialist, Propulsion System/Rocket Test Engineer
Culpeper, VA · On-site
$76K - $142K/yr
Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer Job ID: 37490 Job Location: Orange, VA Job Schedule: Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other ...
Specialist, Propulsion System/Rocket Test Engineer
Culpeper, VA · On-site
$76K - $142K/yr
Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer Job ID: 37490 Job Location: Orange, VA Job Schedule: Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other ...
Specialist, Propulsion System/Rocket Test Engineer
$76K - $142K/yr
Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer Job ID: 37490 Job Location:Orange, VA Job Schedule:Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other ...
Specialist, Propulsion System/Rocket Test Engineer
$76K - $142K/yr
Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer Job ID: 37490 Job Location:Orange, VA Job Schedule:Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II - VEHICLE The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab manages all ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II - VEHICLE The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab manages all ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II - LAUNCH PAD The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab manages ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II - LAUNCH PAD The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab manages ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Bachelor Degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, mechanical, electrical or mechatronic ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Bachelor Degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, mechanical, electrical or mechatronic ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects ...
Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer II/Senior
$104K - $143K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... The Engineer will have or develop skills in multiple operational roles, including roles where they ...
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Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer II/Senior
$104K - $143K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... The Engineer will have or develop skills in multiple operational roles, including roles where they ...
Senior DevOps Engineer II
$133K - $171K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ...
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Senior DevOps Engineer II
$133K - $171K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ...
(SRM) Solid Rocket Motor Engineer - Arlington & Hurt, VA with Security Clearance
Arlington, VA · On-site
SRM - Solid Rocket Motor Engineer Full-time position is mostly REMOTE but must work onsite in Arlington VA a lot in the beginning, then later, one week a month. Eventually will need to travel a lot ...
(SRM) Solid Rocket Motor Engineer - Arlington & Hurt, VA with Security Clearance
Arlington, VA · On-site
SRM - Solid Rocket Motor Engineer Full-time position is mostly REMOTE but must work onsite in Arlington VA a lot in the beginning, then later, one week a month. Eventually will need to travel a lot ...
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and ...
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ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and ...
Senior DevOps Engineer II
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$133K - $171K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ...
Senior DevOps Engineer II
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$133K - $171K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ...
Test and Launch Operations Engineer I
$76K - $95K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I Test and Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for taking ...
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Test and Launch Operations Engineer I
$76K - $95K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I Test and Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for taking ...
Test and Launch Operations Engineer I
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$80K - $95K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I Test and Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for taking ...
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Test and Launch Operations Engineer I
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$80K - $95K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I Test and Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for taking ...
Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Fluids
$104K - $142K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II/SENIOR - FLUIDS As a Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Fluids, you ...
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Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Fluids
$104K - $142K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II/SENIOR - FLUIDS As a Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Fluids, you ...
Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer
Wattsville, VA · On-site
$108K - $149K/yr
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Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer
Wattsville, VA · On-site
$108K - $149K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... SENIOR VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER The Neutron Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for ...
Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission Formulation
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$107K - $146K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER - MISSION FORMULATION (SECRET CLEARANCE) Based out of Rocket Lab's site ...
Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission Formulation
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$107K - $146K/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER - MISSION FORMULATION (SECRET CLEARANCE) Based out of Rocket Lab's site ...
Rocket Engineer information
See Virginia salary details
$38.7K - $47.5K
3% of jobs
$47.5K - $56.4K
3% of jobs
$56.4K - $65.3K
4% of jobs
$65.3K - $74.2K
7% of jobs
$74.2K - $83.1K
6% of jobs
$83.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$83.1K - $91.9K
6% of jobs
The median wage is $99.9K / yr.
$91.9K - $100.8K
21% of jobs
$100.8K - $109.7K
4% of jobs
$115.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$109.7K - $118.6K
29% of jobs
$118.6K - $127.4K
2% of jobs
$127.4K - $136.3K
13% of jobs
$38.7K
$100.9K
$136.3K
How much do rocket engineer jobs pay per year?
What are some typical challenges Rocket Engineers face when working on launch vehicle projects?
How much do rocket engineers make?
What engineers make $500,000?
What engineers make $300,000 a year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rocket Engineer, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Rocket Engineer vs Propulsion Engineer?
| Aspect | Rocket Engineer | Propulsion Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; certifications vary | Similar degrees; specialized in propulsion systems; certifications may include propulsion-specific training |
| Work Environment | Design, testing, and development of rockets and launch systems | Focus on propulsion components like engines and thrusters within aerospace projects |
| Industry Usage | Used across aerospace companies, space agencies, and defense contractors | Primarily in aerospace, satellite, and space exploration industries |
| Common Search/Comparison | Often compared for roles involving rocket design and launch systems | Compared when focusing on propulsion system development and testing |
Rocket Engineers and Propulsion Engineers share overlapping skills and work environments, but Rocket Engineers typically oversee entire rocket systems, while Propulsion Engineers specialize in propulsion components. Both roles are vital in aerospace projects and often collaborate closely.
What do rocket engineers do?

$51K - $82K/yr
Full-time
Posted 13 days ago
Peraton rating
8.3
Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
41st of 213 rated it services
Job description
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.
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 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_TIMEAbout Peraton
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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