Launch Engineer I – Vandenberg AFB, CA
The Launch Engineer I at Confidential Client is an entry-level role focused on supporting the operation, maintenance, testing, and upgrades of launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system readiness and performance during launch campaigns, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to procedure development and system improvements. This position offers growth opportunities through hands-on experience in a dynamic, high-pressure aerospace launch environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This is an entry-level engineering role supporting launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems. Working closely with senior fluids engineers and multidisciplinary teams, you will help operate, test, maintain, and improve fluids and pneumatic systems used for launch operations.
- Assist senior fluids engineers with operation, maintenance, and testing of launch pad fluids and pneumatic systems
- Participate in design reviews and collaborate with design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel to drive system upgrades and improve operations
- Support system and flight-vehicle integrity testing to validate health, performance, and launch readiness
- Lead troubleshooting during operations and testing; investigate and document anomalies and non-conformances
- Perform launch console or launch-closeout activities when assigned
- Write and update procedures for system operation, maintenance, and vehicle testing
- Develop and execute maintenance strategies to maximize availability and reduce downtime
- Coordinate with customers, external stakeholders, and range safety personnel to ensure interoperability and regulatory compliance
- Prepare technical write-ups for system upgrades or requests for regulatory tailoring
- When needed, write work instructions and supervise field work for fluids and mechanical GSE tasks
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 0–2 years hands-on experience with fluid systems, pneumatic systems, mechanisms, hydraulics, tooling, flight hardware, or test operations
- Experience designing, building, troubleshooting, and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems in project or operational settings
- Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation, including drawings, P&ID schematics, and test data
- Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated with initiative to ensure systems are functional and performing at peak levels
- Adaptable to shifting project requirements and scope changes
- Clear communicator who can explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Comfortable working in launch-site environments that may include field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials
Location & Employment Type
- Work location: Onsite at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
- Employment type: Full-time, Permanent
- This role requires onsite presence for launch operations, testing, and maintenance activities.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $93,950 — $107,000 per year
- Benefits (illustrative): medical, dental, vision, parental leave, short-term disability, educational reimbursement, flexible PTO, and other standard employer-provided benefits
- Pay transparency: the posted salary range reflects the confidential client’s stated range for this position in California.
Additional Requirements
- To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (including ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
- Ability to pass any site-specific security or range access requirements as needed for Vandenberg operations.
About the Confidential Client
Confidential Client is hiring engineers within the Engineering industry to support launch operations and ground systems. This role provides hands-on experience with propulsion, fluids, and pneumatic systems and offers growth opportunities to take ownership of critical launch pad subsystems.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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