Firefly Aerospace · 10 hours ago
Director, Propulsion Engineering
Briggs, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expFirefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company on a mission to enable launch, land, and operation in space. The Propulsion Director will provide technical and organizational leadership for propulsion systems across Firefly’s launch vehicles and spacecraft, ensuring robust performance and reliability through disciplined design practices.
AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of all propulsion and fluid systems programs across launch vehicles and spacecraft
Lead, develop, and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and professional growth
Maintain ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture trades through qualification, flight, and operations
Serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems, supporting major design reviews, test readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness activities
Collaborate closely with discipline chief engineers, vehicle chief engineers, and cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, quality, and test
Drive propulsion system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design practices and data-driven decision making
Ensure robust risk identification, mitigation, and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback
Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines, with an emphasis on learning-oriented testing
Contribute directly to new engine and propulsion technology development, providing technical insight and guidance where needed
Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and compliance with applicable industry and government requirements
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
8+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs
Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery, 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 cryogenic and 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 and operating liquid rocket engines, launch vehicles, or spacecraft
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.)
Familiarity with multiple engine cycle architectures (e.g., gas generator, staged combustion, full-flow staged combustion)
Proven ability to build and sustain a high-performing engineering culture centered on ownership, learning, and execution
Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation
Demonstrated passion for advancing propulsion technology and integrating emerging capabilities into an executable roadmap
Benefits
Generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
Parental leave
Educational reimbursement
Short term disability
Flexible PTO options
Company
Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$796.56MKey Investors
Northrop GrummanRPM VenturesAE Industrial Partners
2025-08-07IPO
2025-05-29Corporate Round· $50M
2024-11-12Series D· $175M
Leadership Team
Jason Kim
Chief Executive Officer
Eric Salwan
Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-19
Company data provided by crunchbase