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Rocket Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description LEIDOS currently has an opening for a Senior Solid Rocket Propulsion SME working on-site at a customer location in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a team of Subject Matter ...

New

Solid Rocket Propulsion SME

Oakton, VA · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Description LEIDOS currently has an opening for a Senior Solid Rocket Propulsion SME working on-site at a customer location in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a team of Subject Matter ...

New

Description LEIDOS currently has an opening for a Senior Solid Rocket Propulsion SME working on-site at a customer location in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a team of Subject Matter ...

New

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars ...

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars ...

Showing results 41-60

Rocket information

See Washington salary details

$47K

$91.9K

$197.1K

How much do rocket jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket in Washington is $91,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $86,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rocket engineer?

Rocket engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain rockets and other spacecraft. They work on propulsion systems, structural components, guidance systems, and safety measures to ensure rockets can safely deliver payloads into space. Rocket engineers often have backgrounds in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges in spaceflight. Their work is essential for space exploration, satellite deployment, and scientific research.

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. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB, and experience with propulsion systems or structural analysis are commonly required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for innovating and ensuring safety. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable rockets, overcoming complex engineering challenges, and ensuring mission success in the aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges faced by rocket engineers during the launch preparation phase?

Rocket engineers often encounter challenges related to tight deadlines, rigorous safety protocols, and the need for precise coordination among multidisciplinary teams. During launch preparation, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues, ensure all systems are integrated correctly, and conduct thorough testing under strict regulatory standards. Effective communication with propulsion, avionics, and ground support teams is essential to address last-minute changes and maintain the launch schedule. This high-stakes environment requires adaptability, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills.

What is the difference between Rocket vs Drone Operator?

AspectRocketDrone Operator
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 (for commercial use), specialized trainingFAA Part 107, remote pilot certificate, drone-specific training
Work EnvironmentLaunch sites, laboratories, outdoor testing areasIndoor studios, outdoor fields, various locations depending on assignments
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, space explorationMedia, agriculture, real estate, inspection services

Both Rocket and Drone Operator roles require FAA certifications and specialized training. Rockets are used mainly in aerospace and defense sectors, involving launch sites and testing facilities. Drone Operators work across diverse industries like media and agriculture, often in outdoor or indoor environments. While both involve remote piloting, their applications and work settings differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Rocket jobs in Washington?

For Rocket jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rocket jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Rocket jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Rocket jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Rocket job openings:

Infographic showing various Rocket job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,910 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Solid Rocket Propulsion SME

Great Falls, VA • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$139K - $251K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

LEIDOS currently has an opening for a Senior Solid Rocket Propulsion SME working on-site at a customer location in Northern Virginia.  This position is part of a team of Subject Matter Experts providing analytic expertise in the area of launch vehicle and missile analyses, satellite technology and C4ISR.  The ideal candidate would have industrial experience the design, development, testing and deployment of solid propellant rocket motors.

Primary Responsibilities.

  • Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of solid propellant rocket motors. Must will work well in team environments and will be capable of operating independently with minimal supervision. Candidates will be expected to effectively interact with customer personnel at all levels within the customer organization on a daily basis.

  • Conduct analyses on solid propulsion components of ballistic missile systems to assess capabilities. Advise and support government customer’s analyses on materials, equipment, and infrastructure associated with ballistic missile proliferation and production.

  • Must have the ability to teach courses on solid propellant rocket fundamentals, modeling, and manufacturing requirements. Familiarity with propellant formulations, modeling formulations, and modeling motor performance. Experience with solid propellant rocket engine manufacturing methods, tooling, procedures, and testing.

  • Must be willing to work with junior colleagues to mentor them.

Basic Qualifications.

  • The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 15+ years of experience or a Master's Degree and 13+ years experience. At least 12+ years related to solid rocket propellants is required. 

  • Must possess at least a Secret security clearance (higher preferred) and have the ability to be able to obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. 

  • Must have a valid US passport.

        Preferred Qualifications.

  • Knowledge of foreign solid propellant motor technology

  • Propellant experience with military systems

  • An advanced degree is preferred; background in Organic Chemistry a plus.

  • Preferred current TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

  • 15-20 years of experience a plus.

#MSBA

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:September 10, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $139,100.00 - $251,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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