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Rockets Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Store Manager

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$18.40 - $19.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rocket is your launchpad to success! As the largest corporate-owned and operated retail convenience company on the West Coast, we prioritize your future and provide the training, support, and ...

Driver II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the ...

Showing results 41-60

Rockets information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$71.8K

$97.2K

How much do rockets jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rockets in California is $71,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $79,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rocket?

Rockets are vehicles, engines, or devices that obtain thrust by expelling matter (usually hot gases) at high speed from a nozzle. They are used for a variety of purposes, including launching spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Rockets work based on Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle allows rockets to operate in the vacuum of space, where there is no air. They have played a critical role in space exploration and military technology.

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 strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and propulsion system analysis is crucial, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) where applicable. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are essential for designing, testing, and launching reliable rockets, where precision and collaboration directly impact safety and mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by rocket engineers when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Rocket engineers often collaborate closely with professionals from fields such as avionics, propulsion, structural analysis, and systems engineering. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these disciplines, as each has its own specialized terminology and priorities. Effective teamwork requires balancing technical constraints, safety requirements, and project timelines. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and a strong culture of documentation help address these challenges, ensuring the successful integration of each subsystem into the final rocket design.

What is the difference between Rockets vs Aerospace Engineers?

AspectRocketsAerospace Engineers
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training in rocket technologyBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field; often a master's or higher for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, testing sites, launch padsDesign labs, research facilities, aircraft and spacecraft testing centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in space agencies, defense, and private space companiesBroader aerospace industry including aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems

Rockets focus specifically on the design, development, and testing of rocket systems used for space launches and propulsion. Aerospace engineers have a broader scope, working on aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, often involving more advanced education and diverse projects. While rockets are a specialized subset within aerospace engineering, both roles are essential in the aerospace industry and often collaborate on space missions and technology development.

What are popular job titles related to Rockets jobs in California?

For Rockets jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rockets jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rockets jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rockets jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rockets job openings:

Infographic showing various Rockets job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,773 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,541 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team is on a mission to build next generation solid rocket motors for a safer, more connected world. To achieve our vision of becoming a large-volume provider of tactical rocket motors, we will develop differentiated products and services that maximize our customers' capabilities, and we will establish and maintain a reputation of Quality and Reliability.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will conduct mechanical design and analysis of solid rocket motor components, including motor cases, nozzles, propellant grains, igniters, and/or ignition safety components. The right person for this role has a strong command of mechanical design and stress and thermal analysis principles as well as a solid handle on the usage of tools common in industry. If you are someone who is hardware-focused and detail-oriented then this role is for you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Perform CAD design activities of mechanical components.
  • Perform finite element analysis of structural and thermal systems.
  • Generate, review, and release product definition (i.e. engineering drawings).
  • Create reports and presentations documenting analysis and other supporting work.
  • Present to peers and customers in design reviews.
  • Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations onsite at our manufacturing facilities and suppliers' facilities.
  • Own the development of critical subsystems from cradle to grave.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years' experience performing mechanical design and analysis.
  • A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar.
  • Prior experience operating CAD software and/or FEA software.
  • A solid understanding of hardware manufacturability and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to travel to other Anduril sites, customer sites, or supplier sites as business demand dictates. Anticipated 10-25% travel.
  • Ability to obtain and hold a Secret Security Clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Exhibits strong initiative and ownership of tasks.
  • Experience with NX CAD software and/or Abaqus FEA software.
  • Certification in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
  • Expertise in engineering tool development in Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, and/or Python.
  • Experience with propulsion systems.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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