BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline
Internship experience in valve or fluid system design
Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals such as fluid mechanics and heat transfer
Understanding of fluid systems sizing, valve design, and instrumentation
Skilled in creating analytical and numerical models
Ability to manage complex projects effectively and efficiently
Responsibilities
Demonstrate extreme ownership of hardware
Conceptualize and develop propulsion components for high performance systems
Lead development lifecycle and provide production support as the technical expert
Own both Firefly developed and commercial-off-the-shelf fluid components
Prepare and lead design reviews and technical assessments
Author and execute hardware qualification and acceptance test plans
Manage multiple projects and resolve non-conformances
Benefits
Generous health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles
Parental leave policy
Educational reimbursement program
Short-term disability coverage
Flexible PTO options
Full Job Description
SUMMARY
At Firefly, we believe that building a reliable and inexpensive launch vehicle requires the most reliable, production efficient valves available. On the fluid components team, we design, build, test, and qualify high-performance, precision fluid components tailored to the specific needs of our Alpha launch vehicle, Eclipse launch vehicle, Blue Ghost lunar landers, and Elytra spacecraft. Our team of responsible engineers own their products for the entire product lifecycle; from initial conception through qualification and handoff to the production team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrate extreme ownership of hardware
Conceptualize, design, develop and deliver propulsion components to high performance systems
Responsible for entire development lifecycle and production support as the technical expert.
Own a combination of Firefly developed and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTs) valves, regulators and actuators
Prepare content for and lead CoDRs, MRR, PDRs, TRRs, data reviews and CDRs
Author and execute qualification, and acceptance test plans with hands on hardware problem solving
Work to standardize solutions across programs and product lines
Improve mission cadence by identifying and implementing cost saving and risk reduction measures
Lead cross-functional teams of analysts, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supply chain representatives, and test engineers to deliver tested hardware on time
Resolve non-conformances and implement design changes to improve product yield and manufacturability
Work with the program teams to develop hardware upgrades in alignment with ambitious performance and cost goals
Develop simulation-based design methods and validate using subscale and full-scale testing
Lead failure investigations to determine root cause and implement mitigations
Qualify existing and new product lines following guidance from SMC-S-016 and S-080 as applicable
Manage multiple projects and competing priorities
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline
Internship experience in a valve or fluid system design-related role.
Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, structural analysis, materials, and processes.
Strong understanding of fluid systems aspects such as fluids systems sizing, valve design and operation, instrumentation, flexible element design & integration and fluid fittings
Skilled in creating analytical/numerical models of engineering devices and processes.
Ability to successfully manage complex projects.
Works well in a collaborative, fast paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Demonstrated interest in advancing 'newspace'.
Self-motivated with minimum direction required.
Ability to creatively develop economical solutions.
Desired
Served as a Responsible, Manufacturing or Test engineer for an aerospace development project in a fluids related subsystem.
Component test experience.
Proficient with GD&T
Proficient with DFM
Proficient with FEA and/or CFD analysis
Knowledge of high-pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
Experience with valve and regulator design
Experience with liquid oxygen or other cryogenic operations
Experience modeling fluid networks
Experience with rapid development techniques for hardware
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.
