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Rocket Space Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Rocket Space information

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$36K

$74.9K

$121.5K

How much do rocket space jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket space in the United States is $74,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rocket space engineer?

Rocket space engineers, also known as aerospace engineers specializing in rocketry, design, build, and test rockets and spacecraft. They work on propulsion systems, structural components, and guidance systems to ensure safe and efficient space travel. Their responsibilities include developing new technologies for launch vehicles, analyzing flight data, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers. Rocket space engineers can work for government agencies like NASA or private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. Their work is crucial for advancing space exploration and satellite deployment.

What are some common challenges faced by rocket space engineers when working on spacecraft development projects?

Rocket Space engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, ensuring all systems comply with rigorous safety and reliability standards, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology requirements. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including propulsion, avionics, and structural engineering—is essential and can present coordination hurdles. Additionally, engineers must regularly troubleshoot unforeseen technical issues, which requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly in a high-pressure environment.

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 strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or ANSYS), CAD tools, and knowledge of propulsion systems or orbital mechanics is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure precise design, safe operation, and innovative advancements in aerospace projects.

What is the difference between Rocket Space vs Rocket Technician?

AspectRocket SpaceRocket Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized aerospace certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, hands-on training
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, launch sitesManufacturing plants, maintenance workshops, testing areas
Industry UsageDesigning, developing, and launching rocketsAssembling, maintaining, and repairing rocket components

Rocket Space professionals focus on designing and testing rockets, requiring advanced engineering credentials. Rocket Technicians handle assembly and maintenance, with more technical training. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Rocket Space jobs

What states have the most Rocket Space jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rocket Space jobs include:

Infographic showing various Rocket Space job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,860 per year, or $36 per hour.

Sr. Staff Engineer (Energetics Research Group)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Energetics Research Group (ERG), a center operated by the Whiting School of Engineering, is seeking a Sr. Staff Engineer. ERG is a nationally recognized research center in rocket propulsion and energetics, and conducts independent data discovery, technical analysis and studies as a trusted agent of the NASA and the DoD. This position supports a broad base of ERG programs, currently sponsored by the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force Interagency Propulsion Committee (JANNAF), the Joint Energetics Transition Office (JETO), and includes the development of new mission areas and sponsors within the field of propulsion.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform internal and external research, analysis and studies in chemical propulsion technology and related fields for rocket, space and missile systems.
  • Provide trusted agent subject matter expertise in a wide range of rocket propulsion subject areas.
  • Support ERG management in the development of new strategic and tactical research goals and projects.
  • Directly engage existing stakeholders and prospective sponsors for outreach and business development.
  • Plan, develop, and lead ERG research initiatives.
  • Support the JANNAF Technical Subcommittees, Steering Groups and Working Groups in collaborative technical activities.
  • Represent ERG at government and industry meetings, conferences, symposia and other relevant exercises.
  • Successful performance of these duties will require coordination and interaction with internal technical and operational team members, as well as US Government sponsors from multiple agencies.
  • Areas of related and relevant expertise include (but are not limited to): liquid rocket engine design and testing, rocket propulsion industrial base assessment; test facility design and integration; launch vehicle design, analysis and integration; propulsion system design review and failure review board support.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Eight years' experience, or Master's Degree with six years' experience, or PhD with five years' experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree or Higher in Engineering, Science, Math or related area of study
  • PhD or relevant certifications may be substituted for some experience.

Special skills and knowledge
  • Superior communication skills required, with ability to develop papers, presentation and reports, and represent the organization to the highest levels of US government sponsors and stakeholders.
  • Knowledge and training in multi-agency teaming and coordination, strategic business development and project direction preferred.
  • A work experience portfolio that spans both a DoD environment (service, civilian, contractor) and a NASA environment strongly preferred.

Classified Title: Sr. Staff Engineer
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MH
Starting Salary Range: $53.35 - $93.45 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: M-F
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: Energetics Research Group
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876