RESPONSIBILITIES
Design, build, and activate new fluid systems across a global launch portfolio including Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (FL), and Esrange Space Center (Sweden)
Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams — including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel — to drive fluid system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites
Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad
Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations
Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day red team activities
Write procedures and automation for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations
Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions
Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements
Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations
Guide the work of early career Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members and support hiring efforts
Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
7+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware or test operations
Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid systems
Demonstrated experience with interpretation and design of P&IDs
Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
Ability to self-motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance
Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements
Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials
Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed)
Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.
Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)
Desired
Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools
Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)
Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC)
Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.)
Ability to obtain a security clearance
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, 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.
