Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists operate and maintain the catapults, arresting gear, and control systems used to launch and land aircraft on carriers. They work aboard naval aircraft carriers, installing and testing equipment, performing maintenance on hydraulic and mechanical systems, and ensuring visual landing aids function properly during flight operations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aircraft launch and recovery specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves regular equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of launch and recovery systems. Specialists test catapult mechanisms, check arresting gear, and monitor hydraulic and electrical systems. They install and maintain lighting and visual guidance equipment used by pilots. Maintenance schedules are coordinated around flight operations, often requiring work during high-tempo periods when multiple aircraft launch and recover throughout the day.
Who this work suits
This work suits people who are detail-oriented and comfortable with mechanical and hydraulic systems. You should be comfortable working in a structured military environment, able to follow technical procedures precisely, and willing to work shifts coordinated with flight operations on a ship.
What it takes
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Recovery Specialist · Crisis Connections · Remote · Remote
- Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) · Federal Emergency Management Agency · Denton, Texas · $97307–$126502
- Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) · Federal Emergency Management Agency · Maynard, Massachusetts · $101375–$131790
- Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) · Federal Emergency Management Agency · Maynard, Massachusetts · $120548–$156715
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aircraft launch and recovery specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 55-3012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.