Propulsion Engineer (Spacecraft)
Apply NowCompany: Firefly Aerospace
Location: Cedar Park, TX 78613
Description:
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
About the Role
The position of Propulsion Engineer within the Spectre Engine team at Firefly involves leveraging creativity, ingenuity, and experience to develop hypergol engines for our Blue Ghost program. Engineers tackle complex challenges throughout the project life cycle, from design and analysis to manufacturing, testing, and operational support. Collaborating closely with other product groups, such as structures, fluid systems, and avionics, Propulsion Engineers take ownership of projects and make critical decisions. Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to create leading-edge propulsion systems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.
Develop new and innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budget
Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build support
Act as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems
Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems
Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability
Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation
Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools
Qualifications
Required
BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program
Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T
Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.
Desired Qualifications
Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
2+ years of experience in related engineering discipline
Experience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine)
Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)
Hands-on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production
Prior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
Experience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
About the Role
The position of Propulsion Engineer within the Spectre Engine team at Firefly involves leveraging creativity, ingenuity, and experience to develop hypergol engines for our Blue Ghost program. Engineers tackle complex challenges throughout the project life cycle, from design and analysis to manufacturing, testing, and operational support. Collaborating closely with other product groups, such as structures, fluid systems, and avionics, Propulsion Engineers take ownership of projects and make critical decisions. Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to create leading-edge propulsion systems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.
Develop new and innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budget
Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build support
Act as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems
Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems
Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability
Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation
Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools
Qualifications
Required
BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program
Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T
Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.
Desired Qualifications
Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
2+ years of experience in related engineering discipline
Experience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine)
Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)
Hands-on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production
Prior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
Experience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.