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Rocket Science Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Wenzel Associates Inc

Mechanical Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

So, if you're ready to take your career to new heights (literally, we are talking rocket science here), keep reading! Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: As our Mechanical Drafter/Designer ...

Wenzel Associates, Inc.

Mechanical Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

So, if you're ready to take your career to new heights (literally, we are talking rocket science here), keep reading! Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: As our Mechanical Drafter/Designer ...

Wenzel Associates Inc

Mechanical Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

So, if you're ready to take your career to new heights (literally, we are talking rocket science here), keep reading! Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: As our Mechanical Drafter/Designer ...

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All JobsRocket Science JobsRocket Science Jobs in Texas

Rocket Science information

See Texas salary details

$22.8K

$45.1K

$73.6K

How much do rocket science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket science in Texas is $45,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $48,400.00 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 Texas? For Rocket Science jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rocket Science jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket Science jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Rocket Science jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Rocket Science job openings:
Rocket Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Science job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 30% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,084 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer - Liquid Rocket Engines

Intuitive Machines LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Propulsion Engineer – Liquid Rocket Engines

Houston, TX

About Intuitive Machines:

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With multiple NASA lunar missions in development and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, our customers, and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

About the Position:

We are seeking a Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation liquid rocket engines and propulsion hardware. This role is primarily focused on the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of liquid rocket engine injectors and associated combustion hardware. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing injector architectures, combustion devices, and additively manufactured engine components through rapid design-build-test iterations.

The successful candidate will work closely with propulsion analysts, thermal engineers, structures engineers, manufacturing personnel, and test engineers to develop flight and development hardware from initial concept through hot-fire testing. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring deep technical engagement with hardware design, analysis, fabrication, and test execution.

Responsibilities:

  • Design liquid rocket engine components including injectors, combustion chambers, manifolds, feed system hardware, and associated propulsion components.
  • Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and manufacturing documentation
  • Perform engineering analyses supporting propulsion hardware design, including structural, thermal, fluid, and manufacturability assessments.
  • Develop propulsion hardware optimized for additive manufacturing processes, including complex internal flow features, integrated manifolds, cooling circuits, design-for-additive-manufacturing considerations, and post-processing requirements.
  • Work closely with internal machine shop, additive manufacturing, and fabrication teams to mature designs from concept to hardware.
  • Support component assembly, development testing, hot-fire testing, post-test hardware evaluations, and data analysis.
  • Investigate hardware anomalies and implement design improvements based on test results and lessons learned.
  • Collaborate with structures, thermal, manufacturing, test, and systems engineering teams throughout the hardware development lifecycle.
  • Support rapid design-build-test iterations in a fast-paced development environment.

Requirements:

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of design, fabrication, and testing of liquid rocket engines and related components
  • Experience designing and testing injectors or cooled combustion chambers for liquid rocket engines.
  • Proficiency with Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion fundamentals.
  • Experience creating manufacturing drawings, tolerance schemes, and engineering documentation for fabricated hardware.
  • Ability to develop engineering analyses and communicate technical recommendations.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred / Differentiating Experience:
  • Experience developing cryogenic propulsion systems or hardware.
  • Experience evaluating injector performance, atomization, combustion efficiency, combustion stability, or related combustion device characteristics.
  • Experience with combustion chamber heat transfer, vacuum nozzles, electric pumps or turbomachinery, internal manifolding, or feed system hardware.
  • Experience with additive manufacturing of metallic aerospace hardware and design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) principles.
  • Experience supporting component-level or engine-level hot-fire testing.
  • Experience performing CFD, thermal, structural, combustion, or multidisciplinary analyses supporting propulsion hardware development.
  • Experience working closely with machine shops, additive manufacturing facilities, and propulsion test organizations.
  • Experience developing hardware for aerospace, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or defense applications.

US EEO Statement:

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.