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Spaceport Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AV Administrator, Events & Experiences

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $24.75/hr

... Spaceport and design teams to create immersive and engaging spaces that showcase our brand and culture. โ€ข Ensure our spaces are outfitted with state-of-the-art AV systems that support collaboration ...

$26/hr

SPACEPORT OPERATIONS: Supports the various functions necessary to ongoing operations within our own Spaceport community. Spaceport Operations Interns are hospitality-focused problem solvers ...

Work closely with our construction, Spaceport and design teams to create immersive and engaging spaces that showcase our brand and culture. * Ensure our spaces are outfitted with state-of-the-art AV ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of ...

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best ...

Principal Systems Integration

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of ...

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Spaceport information

See California salary details

$13

$30

$52

How much do spaceport jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for spaceport in California is $30.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the spaceport position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spaceport professional, you need a strong background in aerospace operations, safety protocols, and facility management, often supported by a degree in engineering, aviation, or a related field. Familiarity with spacecraft launch systems, ground support equipment, FAA/AST regulations, and specialized scheduling or operations management software is essential. Effective communication, leadership, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing diverse teams and coordinating with government and private partners. These competencies ensure safe, efficient spaceport operations and successful coordination of complex launch activities.

What is a spaceport?

A Spaceport job involves working at a facility designed to launch and receive spacecraft. Roles vary widely and can include positions in operations, engineering, safety, logistics, and customer service. Employees may support rocket launches, spacecraft maintenance, astronaut services, and space tourism activities. Depending on the job, responsibilities may involve high-tech equipment, mission planning, or regulatory compliance. Many positions require specialized training in aerospace, engineering, or technical fields.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for professionals working at a spaceport?

Spaceport professionals are responsible for overseeing launch preparation activities, managing facility operations and safety inspections, and coordinating logistics with launch providers and regulatory agencies. They frequently work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure ground support systems and infrastructure are ready for launches, manage emergency response procedures, and facilitate site security. Much of the work is hands-on, requiring attention to detail and frequent collaboration with engineers, technicians, and visiting space companies. The environment can be fast-paced and requires readiness for rapidly changing schedules based on launch timelines.

What are popular job titles related to Spaceport jobs in California? For Spaceport jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spaceport jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Spaceport jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Spaceport job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,488 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Systems Integration Engineer - Retiree Casual

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$177K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Spaceport of the Future/Launch Test Range Systems department provides systems engineering support to the Space Access PAE's spaceport mission. This support includes engineering and technical analysis of all spaceport instrumentation used to ensure the safe launch of spacelift and DoW test & evaluation missions from the spaceports at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base We are looking for a -Systems Engineer with expertise in applying value stream mapping methodology to understand interactions and constraints across all spaceport operations. This work helps shape the PAEs strategic vision for the spaceport and the budget over the FYDP.

The selected candidate will be required to work part-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. This is a retiree casual position offering limited, part-time hours.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Direct support to the Space Access PAE and LTRS Chief Engineer
  • Space Access PAE is responsible for all National Security Space launches. Space mobility acquisition and spaceport operations
  • Current space launch demand is straining spaceport resources and this position will identify chokepoints that risk delaying or preventing launches and identify mitigation options
  • Primary function is to lead Aerospace value stream mapping across all aspects of the spaceport enterprise at both the Eastern and Western Spaceports

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirement - Retiree Casual III:

  • PhD degree science, technology, engineering
  • 15 years of experience in systems engineering, modeling and simulation and value stream mapping
  • Willing to travel occasionally
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Experience in supporting Eastern/Western Spaceports
  • Experience in Space mobility acquisition and spaceport operations

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$0.00 - $480.00Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.