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Rocket Science Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

ABOUT THE TEAM The Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team is on a mission to build next generation ... B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, computer science or similar engineering or technical field. * 5+ ...

United Launch Alliance

Industrial Engineer 3

Decatur, AL · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you ...

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you ...

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Rocket Science information

See Alabama salary details

$22.2K

$43.9K

$71.6K

How much do rocket science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket science in Alabama is $43,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,900.00 and $47,100.00 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 between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with advanced degrees and security clearances can earn higher salaries, especially in government or private aerospace companies.

How to get a job as a rocket scientist?

To become a rocket scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or working with aerospace companies is valuable, along with developing skills in CAD software, propulsion systems, and physics. Professional certifications and a strong understanding of mathematics and engineering principles also enhance job prospects in this field.

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?

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.

What kind of jobs use rocket science?

Rocket science is primarily used in aerospace engineering roles such as spacecraft design, satellite development, and missile technology. These jobs often require knowledge of physics, propulsion systems, and advanced mathematics, and are typically found in government space agencies, private aerospace companies, and defense contractors.
What are popular job titles related to Rocket Science jobs in Alabama? For Rocket Science jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rocket Science jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket Science jobs in Alabama are:
Rocket Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Science job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,861 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Program Management Leader 6 - Vehicle Integration, Test & Certification

United Launch Alliance

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

United Launch Alliance rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Requisition ID: 1868
Location: ULA - Decatur
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The Vehicle Integration, Test & Certification Engineering Leader is responsible for leading the engineering organization supporting final vehicle assembly and integration, IACO, factory test and checkout, vehicle acceptance and certification, and technical continuity into launch-site processing.
Located in Decatur, Alabama, this position leads a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for enabling successful vehicle completion and delivery. The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Mission Management, Program Management, subsystem engineering organizations, and launch-site teams to resolve technical issues, maintain vehicle configuration and certification integrity, and support increasing production and launch cadence.
Responsibilities include:
  • Lead the engineering organization supporting final vehicle assembly and integration, IACO, factory checkout and test, vehicle acceptance and certification, and technical continuity into launch-site processing.
  • Provide engineering leadership and accountability throughout vehicle integration, test, acceptance, certification, delivery, and downstream launch-site processing.
  • Partner with IACO, Test, Quality, and Launch Operations leadership to align engineering priorities, staffing, and execution with vehicle flow, certification milestones, and mission schedules.
  • Lead timely and disciplined resolution of technical issues affecting vehicle integration, test execution, certification, delivery, and mission readiness.
  • Integrate engineering disciplines and technical organizations to resolve complex vehicle-level issues that cross subsystem or organizational boundaries.
  • Ensure effective engineering execution for test anomalies, nonconformances, requirement verification, technical closure, and vehicle certification.
  • Maintain technical and configuration continuity as vehicles transition from Decatur production through launch-site processing and mission preparation.
  • Drive recurring issue elimination and continuous improvement by incorporating factory and launch-site lessons learned into future builds, engineering priorities, and product improvements.
  • Establish and monitor organizational performance measures for engineering responsiveness, technical issue resolution, test anomaly closure, certification readiness, and vehicle flow.
  • Develop and execute organizational, staffing, talent development, and succession plans to support increasing production and launch cadence.
  • Foster a One Team culture across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Mission Management, Program Management, and launch-site organizations with shared accountability for vehicle delivery and mission success.

Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Please reference the Basic Qualification for minimum years of related work experience required
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience plus a minimum of 4 years of management or leadership experience of leading teams.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership experience in the integration, test, production, certification, launch, or sustainment of complex aerospace or high-rate environment.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and resolving complex integrated hardware or systems issues.
  • Experience working in a production, integration and test, field operations, or mission execution environment.
  • Experience with personnel management, including employee development, performance management, organizational planning, and talent development.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical issue resolution across organizational, functional, or geographic boundaries.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and lead execution in an environment with competing technical, cost, schedule, production, and mission demands.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees, peers, senior leadership, customers, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, aerospace, defense, or other complex high-reliability systems.
  • Experience with vehicle or system-level assembly, integration, checkout, and test activities.
  • Experience supporting vehicle acceptance, product certification, flight readiness, mission assurance, or launch operations.
  • Experience leading engineering organizations directly supporting production, integration and test, field operations, or launch operations.
  • Experience integrating technical execution across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Experience with test anomaly investigation, nonconformance review, root cause analysis, corrective action, and recurring issue elimination.
  • Program management skills, including cost and schedule management, risk management, resource planning, and business execution.
  • CAM knowledge and experience.
  • Experience developing and leading teams, including experience developing leads and leaders.
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve complex cross-organizational challenges and conflicts.

What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.

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