Firefly Space Systems

Propulsion Engineering - Spacecraft Engine Team

Firefly Space Systems$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics.
  • Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program.
  • Knowledge of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-discipline team and provide technical insight.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including engines, valves, and tanks.
  • Develop innovative design concepts for propulsion integration that reduce complexity and maximize reliability.
  • Assist in developing manufacturing, integration, and test processes including work instructions and test procedures.
  • Act as primary contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems.
  • Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems.
  • Own and execute testing of flight hardware for development and qualification.
  • Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies for successful vehicle operation.

Benefits

  • Generous health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles.
  • Parental leave and educational reimbursement.
  • Short-term disability coverage.
  • Flexible paid time off options.
Full Job Description
About the Role

The position of Propulsion Engineer within the Spectre Engine team at Firefly involves leveraging creativity, ingenuity, and experience to develop hypergol engines for our Blue Ghost program. Engineers tackle complex challenges throughout the project life cycle, from design and analysis to manufacturing, testing, and operational support. Collaborating closely with other product groups, such as structures, fluid systems, and avionics, Propulsion Engineers take ownership of projects and make critical decisions. Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to create leading-edge propulsion systems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.
  • Develop new and innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budget
  • Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build support
  • Act as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems
  • Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems
  • Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability
  • Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation
  • Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools

Qualifications

Required
  • BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
  • Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program
  • Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T
  • Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.

Desired Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of progressive experience in related engineering discipline
  • Experience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine)
  • Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)
  • Hands-on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production
  • Prior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
  • Experience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

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, 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.

About Firefly Space Systems

Firefly Space Systems was an American aerospace manufacturer based in Cedar Park, Texas. The company was founded in 2013 with the goal of developing low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. Firefly's Alpha rocket was designed to carry payloads of up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The company was acquired by EOS Launcher in 2017 and is now known as Firefly Aerospace. Firefly Aerospace is continuing the development of the Alpha rocket and is also working on a larger rocket called Beta, which is designed to carry payloads of up to 8,000 kg to low Earth orbit. Firefly Aerospace is committed to providing affordable access to space for small satellite operators.
Learn more about Firefly Space Systems
Industry
Founded
2013

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Firefly Space Systems

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Propulsion Engineering - Spacecraft Engine Team jobs: