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Rocket Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated ...

Rocket Lab

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and advanced spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the Optical Systems division by automating CI ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space ... SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain ...

L3HHCM20

Tool Design Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$73K - $135K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer (Tool Design Engineer) Job ID: 40732 Job Location: Culpeper, VA Job Schedule ... This position will focus on component and system tooling design for solid rocket propulsion systems ...

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Rocket Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$38.7K

$100.9K

$136.3K

How much do rocket engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket engineer in Virginia is $100,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rocket engineer?

To thrive as a Rocket Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, propulsion analysis tools, and industry-standard simulation systems, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and innovative design and launch of rockets.

What are some typical challenges rocket engineers face when working on launch vehicle projects?

Rocket Engineers often encounter challenges related to strict safety requirements, tight project deadlines, and complex multidisciplinary collaboration. Coordinating with teams in propulsion, avionics, and structural engineering is essential to ensure all systems integrate seamlessly. Additionally, adapting designs to new technologies and rigorous testing protocols can require creative problem-solving and a flexible mindset. These challenges make the role both demanding and highly rewarding for those passionate about aerospace innovation.

What is the difference between Rocket Engineer vs Propulsion Engineer?

AspectRocket EngineerPropulsion Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; certifications varySimilar degrees; specialized in propulsion systems; certifications may include propulsion-specific training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development of rockets and launch systemsFocus on propulsion components like engines and thrusters within aerospace projects
Industry UsageUsed across aerospace companies, space agencies, and defense contractorsPrimarily in aerospace, satellite, and space exploration industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles involving rocket design and launch systemsCompared 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.

How do I become a rocket engineer?

To become a rocket engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, with advanced roles often requiring a master's or doctorate. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD software, propulsion systems, and thermodynamics, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications. Working in aerospace companies or research labs provides practical experience in rocket design, testing, and manufacturing.

What do rocket engineers do?

Rocket engineers design, develop, and test spacecraft and propulsion systems used in space exploration and satellite deployment. They work with engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and often require knowledge of aerodynamics, materials science, and safety standards. Their work involves analyzing performance data, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Rocket Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Rocket Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rocket Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Rocket Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Rocket Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,879 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Rocket Lab

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by automating CI/CD pipelines and deploying applications for advanced Electro-Optical technology.
Responsibilities:
• Support AWS development, test, and production environments
• Collaborate with project leads and team members
• Align with Security and IT for policy assurance
• Develop and support pipelines that include automation and configurations for containers, data management, and release/deployment solutions for programs
• Automate software deployments into varied and complex environments using virtual machines, container technologies, Kubernetes, Cloud environments, and bare metal servers
• Support engagements related to assessing, refactoring and identifying opportunities for existing applications to leverage modern application architectures (e.g. containers)
• Participate in Agile sprints and associated activities
• Support onsite work, as well as travel or offsite work, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering or equivalent discipline with 5-8 years of experience
• Experience in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based development and operations environments
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or other technical field
• Experience with architecting solutions in AWS Cloud environments
• Experience in key AWS services (such as EC2, ELB, RDS, Route53, CloudWatch, S3, etc.)
• Experience in supporting DevOps tools and pipeline environments, such as Jira, SharePoint, Bitbucket, Jenkins, SonarQube, and Artifactory
• Experience working with Container technologies (such as Kubernetes, Docker, etc.)
• Proficiency in Linux system administration
• Ability to design, enable, and deliver scalable and automated strategies through Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, such as Ansible and Terraform
• Experience supporting cloud network resources such as VPC, URL proxies, private link, DNS, ACLs, Security groups, routing tables, etc.
• Background in scripting and/or coding, such as Java, Python, Terraform, and/or Bash
• CompTIA Security+ certification (or in pursuit of)
• Experience with on-premises to cloud migrations or IT transformations
• Experience in database administration; one or more of MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL
• Experience in AWS ElastiCache for Redis
• Expertise in the Git version control system command line
• Familiarity with Information Security frameworks/standards (i.e. CIS, NIST, RFC2196, etc.)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills
Company:
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Long Beach, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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