Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations.
About the profession
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include installing and maintaining visual landing aids; testing and maintaining launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools; activating airfield arresting systems, such as crash barriers and cables, during emergency landing situations; directing aircraft launch and recovery operations using hand or light signals; and maintaining logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance.
How to Get Started
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Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist → Associate Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist → Senior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist → Lead Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
4
Levels
112K
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: $45,200 - $61,825/year With equity/bonuses: $49,720 - $74,190 Top markets (SF/NYC): $51,980 - $74,190 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 $31,640 - $55,643 Year 2-3: Junior level $61,825 - $74,528 Year 4-6: Mid level $74,528 - $80,804 Year 7-10: Senior level $80,804 - $99,829 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
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You find the craft of a Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Domain expertise and Domain expertise You…
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