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Not Rocket Science Trivia

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Trivia Night Host

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Company Description Not Rocket Science Trivia hosts trivia nights at local bars and restaurants across the country! Our company is all about entertainment. You'll be the star of the show, so we're ...

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Rocket Lab Corporation

Brand Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Brand Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Brand Designer

Long Beach, CA

Through media relations, social media, video production, events, merchandise, and design, the Marketing & Communications team works across the entire business to translate literal rocket science into ...

Rocket

Manager, Data Science

Detroit, MI · On-site

Rocket is a Detroit-based company providing digital solutions for complex transactions. As the Manager of Data Science, you will lead a team of data scientists to solve business problems, shape the ...

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Rocket Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do rocket science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do rocket scientists get paid?

Rocket scientists, often aerospace engineers or specialists in propulsion and spacecraft design, typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $160,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in mathematics, physics, and computer-aided design (CAD) are essential, and many work for government agencies or private aerospace companies in specialized environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by rocket scientists when working on launch projects, and how are these challenges addressed within a team?

Rocket scientists often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, complex system integration, and the need for precise coordination between various engineering disciplines. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous project management, detailed simulation and testing, and close collaboration with specialists in propulsion, avionics, and materials science. Regular team meetings and cross-functional reviews help ensure that issues are identified early and solutions are developed collaboratively, fostering a supportive environment for innovation and problem-solving.

What is rocket science?

Rocket science is the field of engineering and physics that focuses on the design, development, testing, and operation of rockets and spacecraft. It involves disciplines such as propulsion, aerodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and control systems. Rocket scientists work to overcome the significant technical challenges involved in sending vehicles and payloads into space, ensuring safety and efficiency. This field is crucial for space exploration, satellite deployment, and advancing our understanding of the universe.

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

To thrive as a Rocket Scientist, you need a deep understanding of physics, mathematics, and aerospace engineering, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree or advanced scientific education. Familiarity with simulation software, CAD tools, and industry-specific certifications like those from NASA or aerospace societies is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing, testing, and launching complex aerospace systems safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Rocket Science vs Aerospace Engineering?

AspectRocket ScienceAerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Aerospace, or Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, space agencies, aerospace companiesDesign, testing, manufacturing in labs, factories, and research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on designing and launching rockets and spacecraftBroader field including aircraft and spacecraft design

Rocket Science and Aerospace Engineering share overlapping skills and educational backgrounds, but Rocket Science specifically emphasizes the design and development of rockets and spacecraft. Aerospace Engineering covers a wider range of aerospace vehicles, including aircraft. Both roles are vital in the aerospace industry, with Rocket Science being a specialized subset of Aerospace Engineering.

How can I become a Rocket Scientist?

To become a rocket scientist, typically a person needs a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, followed by advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Strong skills in mathematics, physics, computer programming, and experience with design software are essential, along with internships or work experience in aerospace or related industries.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers or rocket scientists working in private space companies or government agencies can earn salaries around $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in the aerospace and defense industries.

What kind of jobs use Rocket Science?

Rocket science is primarily used in aerospace engineering roles such as spacecraft and missile design, development, and testing. These jobs often require advanced degrees in engineering or physics, knowledge of propulsion systems, and familiarity with simulation tools and safety protocols.
More about Rocket Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Rocket Science jobs? Cities with the most Rocket Science job openings:
What states have the most Rocket Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Rocket Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rocket Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket Science jobs are:
Rocket Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Simulation Engineer - 1099 Contract -[July - October]

Rocket Science

Albany, NY • On-site

$40 - $70/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Please note that this is a 1099 Contract position until end of October 26.
Due to this we would need candidates to be available to start asap.
This role can be remote however our office is in Albany NY so welcome applicants that want to work in a hybrid set up.
Part of the Rocket Science Group, Atomic Theory is a multinational team of seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity. We have a track record of delivering player-centric, AAA-quality experiences, and we're unwavering in our commitment to performance, accessibility, and the engineering frameworks that underpin exceptional gameplay.
Atomic Theory is more than just a studio - it's a collaborative space where diverse experiences intersect to solve the toughest challenges in modern game development. With offices in Albany NY, Cardiff UK, and Brighton UK, we thrive at the opportunity to Get Sh!t Done on a global scale.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a C++ / Simulation Engineer to drive the performance, architecture, and migration efforts of our simulation projects. In this role, you will migrate existing systems to C++, implement Flecs ECS patterns, and optimize simulation performance to support large-scale, multi-server environments. You will be responsible for the core simulation logic that powers our partners' interactive experiences.
An ideal candidate is passionate about games, enjoys tackling a wide range of technical challenges, and has a track record of delivering great player and customer experiences across different areas of game development.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • C++ Migration: Identify and migrate under-performing GDScript systems to C++ for improved performance and maintainability.
  • ECS Implementation: Design and implement simulation logic using the Flecs ECS framework, ensuring efficient data locality and scalability.
  • Performance Optimization: Profile simulation workloads, identify bottlenecks, and apply multithreading techniques to optimize frame time.
  • Serialization & State: Develop robust serialization and state replication systems for distributed simulation support.
  • Technical Design: Collaborate with the team to break down complex simulation requirements and deliver practical, high-performance solutions.

WHAT WE VALUE:
  • Strong C++ Skills: Professional experience with modern C++ (C++17/20), with a focus on performance and memory management.
  • ECS Experience: Proficiency with Entity Component System architectures, preferably with Flecs.
  • Mathematical Fundamentals: Solid understanding of linear algebra, physics, and simulation mathematics.
  • Engineering Excellence: A commitment to writing clean, testable, and efficient code.
  • Problem Solving: Ability to debug complex state issues and optimize performance-critical code paths.
  • Breadth of Experience: Comfort working across different systems and disciplines within game development, with a generalist mindset.
  • Team Collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with engineers, designers, producers, and project leads.
  • Problem Solving: A proactive and thoughtful approach to identifying, diagnosing, and resolving technical challenges.
  • Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for games and a desire to help create engaging, high-quality experiences for players.
  • Interest in Learning: Curiosity and eagerness to learn new technologies, engines, and practices to remain adaptable and effective.

WHAT YOU MAY ALSO HAVE:
  • GDScript Experience: Familiarity with Godot/GDScript to assist in migration efforts.
  • Distributed Simulation: Experience with networking, state synchronization, or multi-server architectures.
  • Multithreading: Advanced knowledge of concurrency, lock-free data structures, and parallel processing.
  • Mentorship Skills: Experience supporting or mentoring less experienced developers as they build new skills.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Experience working with internal or external partners to gather feedback, provide technical input, and solve problems collaboratively.

A Friendly Note from the Recruitment Team:
Let us do the work for you: Even if your profile isn't an exact match for all of the qualifications listed above, we still want you to apply. Our team members come from a variety of different industries, not all of which are immediately relevant to game or software development, and we welcome all candidates of similarly varied backgrounds, communities, and identities.
Rocket Science is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a worry-free workplace void of discrimination or harassment. Rocket Scientists are expected to foster and champion an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.
The hourly rate for this role is typically within the range of $40.00 - $70.00 per hour. Please note that this range includes multiple levels of experience and actual pay will ultimately be contingent upon a variety of factors, including your own combination of experience, skills, and qualifications.
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