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Wallops Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Wallops Island, Suffolk Thank you for contacting JSL Technologies, Inc. Requirements Minimum Qualifications: * Must be legally authorized to in the United States without the ...

Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Wallops Island, Suffolk Thank you for contacting JSL Technologies, Inc. Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: * Must be legally authorized to in the United States without the ...

Wallops information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$116.1K

$180.6K

How much do wallops jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for wallops in California is $116,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at Wallops Flight Facility, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals at Wallops Flight Facility often work on fast-paced projects involving complex aerospace systems and launch operations, which can present challenges such as tight deadlines, coordination with multiple agencies, and adherence to rigorous safety protocols. Applicants should prepare by developing strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication abilities to thrive in this collaborative environment. Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and a proactive approach to problem-solving will also help candidates succeed in this dynamic setting.

What is a Wallops?

A Wallops job typically refers to a position at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, a rocket launch range and research center in Virginia. Jobs at Wallops can include roles in aerospace engineering, mission operations, range safety, and technical support. Employees work on sounding rockets, unmanned aerial systems, scientific ballooning, and satellite launches. Many positions require a background in engineering, physics, or related fields, and some involve working with government agencies and private industry partners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wallops Flight Facility technician?

To thrive as a Wallops Flight Facility Technician, you need a background in aerospace, electronics, or mechanical engineering, often supported by relevant technical certifications or degrees. Familiarity with telemetry systems, launch control software, and specialized testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team environment are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and successful support for NASA's launch and research operations at the facility.

What is the difference between Wallops vs Satellite Technician?

AspectWallopsSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or technical certification in aerospace or engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in electronics, telecommunications, or satellite systems
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, launch sites, and aerospace environmentsField sites, satellite ground stations, and maintenance facilities
Industry UsageNASA Wallops Flight Facility, aerospace researchSatellite communication companies, telecom providers, aerospace firms

Wallops technicians focus on aerospace research and launch operations at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, while Satellite Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing satellite communication systems. Both roles require technical certifications and work in technical environments, but their specific duties and industry focus differ.

What job categories do people searching Wallops jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wallops jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Wallops job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,139 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Mission Manager - Neutron

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MISSION MANAGER

Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California, Mission Managers work directly with customers from signing of contract through payload integration to launch at either our Auckland, New Zealand or Wallops, Virginia launch site. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with both commercial and government customers as well as frequent domestic and international travel. Prior mission management or mission integration experience required. Preferably in support of CubeSat, SmallSat, or small space payloads.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
  • Oversees hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser and launch vehicle integration.
  • Assists business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews.
  • Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
  • Ability to create and execute assembly integration instructions.
  • In constant contact with customers to answer questions with technical staff as required.
  • Represent the company at public events, including conferences, industry forums, outreach and recruiting events.
  • Helps lead Mission Integrators in expanding their mission management skillset.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline - Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of mission management experience and/or an engineering background (stress, fatigue, payloads, vibration, thermal or similar).
  • Hardware integration or project management experience on either launch vehicles or spacecraft projects.
  • Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Previous NSSL OR NLS  Experience
  • Experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads.
  • ITAR - Previous experience with ITAR & establishment of TAA's.
  • Previous Mission Management or Mission Integration experience.
  • Experience working with complex mechanical systems with your own hands.
  • Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
  • Ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing.
  • Previous space sector sales engineering experience including management of customer expectations.
  • Active DoD Secret clearance preferred, but not required.
  • Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, able to assist with closure of sales / customer capture.
  • Ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.
  • Solid presentation and technical writing skills.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas


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