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Rocket Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do rocket engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do rocket engineers make?

Rocket engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those working for major aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 with specialized skills and certifications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior rocket engineers, aerospace engineers, and systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in propulsion, avionics, or project management can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require working in high-stakes environments, with certifications and leadership responsibilities contributing to higher compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rocket Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

What do rocket engineers do?

Rocket engineers design, develop, and test spacecraft propulsion systems, structural components, and related technologies. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD), and simulation tools to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance of rockets and space vehicles throughout the development process.
More about Rocket Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Rocket Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Rocket Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Rocket Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rocket Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rocket Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket Engineer jobs are:
Rocket Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Staff Equipment Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems

Staff Equipment Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems

Anduril Industries

Mchenry, MS • On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Rocket Motor Systems team is seeking a Staff Equipment Engineer to join our team. The Rocket Motor Systems team is designing and commissioning automated equipment for high rate production of Solid Rocket Motors at our plant in McHenry, MS. In this role, you will design, commission, and upgrade Solid Rocket Motor production equipment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design, commission, and upgrade Solid Rocket Motor production equipment
  • Lead all aspects of vendor management, including SOW, RFP/RFQ, vendor downselect, design reviews, FAT, and SAT
  • Lead onsite commissioning efforts by coordinating Controls, Mechanical, Electrical, and Safety personnel
  • Integrate internal and external FactoryOS software into automation equipment and production lines
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures, ensuring rapid resolution and long-term reliability
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering,
    Electrical Engineering
  • 8+ years of experience in designing and commissioning automation equipment in a production environment
  • Have successfully managed an integrator all the way from RFQ through SAT for a $1MM+ CapEx project
  • Proficient CAD modeling in NX, Solidworks or AutoCAD
  • Proficient in controls integration including PLCs, control panels, robots, stacklights, I/O blocks, etc
  • Solid understand of safety devices including Estops, door interlocks, light curtains, LIDAR scanners, and trap keys
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 12+ years of experience in designing and commissioning automation equipment in a production environment
  • Have successfully managed an integrator all the way from RFQ through SAT for a $5MM+ CapEx project
  • Strong 3D CAD in NX
  • Proficient in Siemens PLC programming
  • Electrical troubleshooting up to 600VAC.
  • TUV FS Engineer certification (Functional Safety of Machinery)

US Salary Range
$129,000-$171,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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