SUMMARYFirefly Controls and Instrumentation Engineers on the Launch Team leverage their creative background and expertise to design data acquisition, controls, and automation systems used to support integration, test, and launch of Firefly vehicles. Controls and Instrumentation Engineers are responsible for the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems for the Firefly launch team and must apply knowledge of electronic, mechanical, and fluid transport principles to ensure the communication of data is optimally configured. You will have full ownership of your project from the initial concept through all phases of project development. Additionally EGSE Launch Engineers function as a launch operators to support the testing and launch of the Alpha rocket, leveraging succinct communication skills in a fast paced team environment to achieve payload delivery to orbit.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Design data and control systems for the launch site including data and control I/O diagrams, instrument and control cable schedules, instrument loop diagrams, junction box wiring diagrams, control panel layout and wiring diagrams.
- Create and conduct in-house testing and development of equipment and software
- Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for all required instrumentation and electrical equipment
- Work with launch personnel in performing check outs, commissioning, and calibration of pad electrical systems
- Design, develop, and test controls, communications, human-machine interface, and PLC systems for equipment involving electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems
- Work with operations team to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements, timely build of equipment, and cost efficiency
- Manage all aspects of controls and data acquisition installation, including design, personnel training, engineering support to launch technicians, and equipment commissioning
- Performs launch site checkouts and support launch day operations
QUALIFICATIONSRequired
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
- 1-3 years of professional experience with data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, Food and Beverage, or Oil and Gas facilities
- Ability to create process flow diagrams (P&IDs, schematics, cause & effect chart, control narrative, instrument index)
- Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, UL and ISA codes and electrical codes and requirements
- Ability to assist in building of panels and electrical harnessing based off drawings
- Proficiency in programming/configuring PLCs and HMI systems across multiple platforms
- Experience with National Instrument Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) for configuring and troubleshooting devices for use with LabView
- Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
- Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
Desired
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
- 3+ years of professional experience with data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, Food and Beverage, or Oil and Gas facilities
- The ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians on electrical systems
- Familiarity with Industrial Ethernet and control specific networking protocols (i.e., ModbusTCP/RTU, RS-485, RS-232, Analog Communication)
- Working knowledge of AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA- STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, RCC 319/324, etc.
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, pet Insurance, and flexible PTO options.