Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
Plan and direct the operation and maintenance of catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations.
About the profession
Plan and direct the operation and maintenance of catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include supervision of readiness and safety of arresting gear, launching equipment, barricades, and visual landing aid systems; planning and coordinating the design, development, and testing of launch and recovery systems; preparing specifications for catapult and arresting gear installations; evaluating design proposals; determining handling equipment needed for new aircraft; preparing technical data and instructions for operation of landing aids; and training personnel in carrier takeoff and landing procedures.
How to Get Started
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Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer → Associate Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer → Senior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer → Lead Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
4
Levels
161K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
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Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $60,090 - $85,245/year With equity/bonuses: $66,099 - $102,294 Top markets (SF/NYC): $69,104 - $102,294 Execute core tasks using Domain expertise…
Skills used in this career
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Day in Life
Junior vs Senior — daily schedule breakdown
9am — Review priorities and respond to urgent items 10am — Team standup and progress check 11am — Deep work using Domain expertise 1pm — Cross-functional meeting with stakeholders…
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $42,063 - $76,721 Year 2-3: Junior level $85,245 - $104,880 Year 4-6: Mid level $104,880 - $113,712 Year 7-10: Senior level $113,712 - $142,333 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
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You find the craft of a Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Domain expertise and Domain expertise You…
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