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Firefly Aerospace · 1 day ago

Propulsion Engineer II (Alpha Engines)

Briggs, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company on a mission to enable world-class space operations. They are seeking a Propulsion Engineer II to lead the design, integration, and operation of engine systems, ensuring successful vehicle operations through collaboration and innovation.

AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Demonstrate full ownership of launch vehicle engine system hardware from concept to flight

Serve as the propulsion representative for Alpha engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations

Author and lead test readiness, launch readiness, and data review presentations

Continuously build and iterate on tools to optimize efficiency, performance, and predictability of Alpha operations

Lead development of innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within program constraints

Author and present detailed design review presentations to internal and external stakeholders

Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware, including data analysis and reviews

Identify system-level risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions to ensure successful vehicle operation

Develop and maintain automation tools and test data analysis capabilities

Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to develop processes, work instructions, and test procedures, and provide direct build support

Qualification

Propulsion systems developmentFluid dynamicsThermodynamicsHardware designData analysisManufacturing processesTest instrumentationTechnical writingProblem-solvingCommunication skills

Required

B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline

3+ years of experience developing launch vehicle or spacecraft propulsion systems

Experience testing or operating complex engineering systems

Thorough understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics

Deep knowledge of engineering fundamentals and a demonstrated history of applying first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills

Hands-on experience with hardware design, fabrication, and testing

Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components (such as machining, inspection, assembly, testing, etc.)

Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis with such components

Experience developing and formalizing procedures for complex, multistep, high-impact operations

Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements

Preferred

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field

5+ years of experience developing launch vehicle or spacecraft propulsion systems

In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations

Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing (such as valves, regulators, piping systems, pumps, etc.)

Experience in working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers

Experience reducing the complexity of large integrated assemblies to reduce part count, cost, and lead time

Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation