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Spaceport Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/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 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 Systems Integration

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 ...

Principal Systems Integration

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 ...

Project Coordinator

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $107K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Data Analyst

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

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 ...

GNC Engineer

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Spaceport information

See California salary details

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How much do spaceport jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,488 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Lompoc, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The DTAMM team seeks an entry level Hardware Engineer to directly support the modernization of the space launch ranges, meeting mission requirements, providing range capabilities, and supporting the Assured Access to Space (AATS) mission. 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 the future.

The Hardware Engineer will assist in conducting site surveys, fiber and network testing, system installation, and system support. Additionally, the Hardware Engineer will support procurement, staging, deployment, equipment configurations, installation, testing, and acceptance, of systems as needed and when required to support the upgrade of the Western Range DTAMM projects.

This position is located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Fabricate, test, troubleshoot/repair various types of cable assemblies, including but not limited to; coax, multi-conductor/paired cables, and network cables.
  • Installation of under-floor/over-head cable trays, conduit, and fiber innerduct.
  • Reference and comprehend equipment manuals, product specification sheets, blueprints, drawings, and engineering sketches to complete range deployment tasks
  • Correctly operate test equipment, connector crimpers, die inserts, stripping tools, power tools, and other common hand tools and shop equipment.
  • Participate in cross-functional customer facing Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
  • Support Project Manager in estimating, reporting, and planning hardware deployment tasks.
  • Adhere to established policies and procedures pertaining to job site safety, security, and time-keeping.
  • Provide lab and site integration, test, and maintenance support.
  • Participate in troubleshooting systems to resolve complex issues, interact, and coordinate with engineers responsible for sustaining sub-systems.
  • Provide assistance with low voltage AC/DC installations.
  • Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelors and zero (0) years or more experience; 
  • Experience with electronic equipment fabrication & assembly, cable fabrication, equipment installation, and wiring termination/harnessing experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly establish proficiency on new IT products/product lines.

Desired Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Experience on a DoD system development program (Western Range experience a plus)
  • Experience with network hardware installation, configuration, and testing.
  • Experience with common circuit/signal testers like Fireberd, Fluke, Oscilloscopes, etc.
  • Experience with relevant industry software products like MS Office, MS Project, MS SharePoint, etc.

ARES BENEFITS:

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • HSA/FSA Accounts
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays

ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 601.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).