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Firefly Aerospace · 1 day ago

Senior Manager, Spacecraft Propulsion

Cedar Park, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company on a mission to enable global operations in space. The Senior Manager, Spacecraft Propulsion leads the design and development of propulsion systems while managing a high-performing engineering team and ensuring successful spacecraft operations.

AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead spacecraft propulsion system development from requirements definition through flight operations

Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team responsible for engines, thrusters, fluid systems, valves, and thermal hardware

Maintain technical ownership of propulsion hardware across design, analysis, manufacturing, test, qualification, and operations

Serve as the primary technical authority for spacecraft propulsion systems

Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing, including data review and anomaly resolution

Collaborate with systems, structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, quality, and test teams to ensure successful vehicle integration

Drive performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design and data-driven decision-making

Identify and close technical risks through analysis, testing, and operational feedback

Support spacecraft test campaigns and flight operations as needed

Establish and maintain engineering standards, processes, and documentation for spacecraft propulsion systems

Qualification

Aerospace Propulsion DesignFluid DynamicsThermodynamicsTeam LeadershipStorable Propellant SystemsAerospace Standards KnowledgeFluid Systems AnalysisCommunicationProblem Solving

Required

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

5+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems

3+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs

Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, thermodynamics, and thermal systems as well as a demonstrated ability to apply these first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions

Demonstrated experience owning hardware from early concept through testing, qualification, and operation

Hands-on experience driving performance, reliability, or design-for-manufacturability initiatives

Deep understanding of storable propellant systems

Working knowledge of relevant aerospace standards and requirements (e.g., SMC-S-016, SMC-S-025)

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

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

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent propulsion programs to internal and external stakeholders

Preferred

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

Extensive experience developing monopropellant, bipropellant, or electric propulsion systems

Experience with hypergolic systems and the associated operational best practices

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

Proven ability to build and sustain a high-performing engineering culture centered on ownership, learning, and execution

Demonstrated passion for advancing propulsion technology and integrating emerging capabilities into an executable roadmap