Chief Engineer

Jobtailor; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a senior spacecraft engineering leader to define vehicle architectures and optimize performance for mission readiness. You will drive system trades, manage risks, and coordinate across Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to ensure successful missions.

The role requires deep expertise in spacecraft systems, strong communication, and willingness to travel for environmental tests and launches. A TS/SCI clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry).
• 10+ yrs in spacecraft/subsystem development and operations.
• 5+ yrs in aerospace leading roles.
• Subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft domains.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Define vehicle-level architecture, capabilities, specifications, operations, and optimization in alignment with Firefly objectives.
• Lead system-level trades to drive innovation in vehicle design and functionality.
• Manage program risks by identifying, mitigating, and tracking technical issues and coordinating cross-department communication.
• Provide real-time support for integrated operations and resolve live anomalies during missions.
• Lead mission readiness reviews and coordinate training for engineering teams.

Skills

Spacecraft Development

Orbital Mechanics

Technical Risk Management

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

• Define vehicle-level architecture, capabilities, specifications, operations, and interdisciplinary optimization in alignment with Firefly objectives
• Influence and direct configuration requirements by conducting, evaluating, and leading system-level trades to drive innovation in vehicle design and functionality
• Analyze and optimize mass, delta V, power, and data budgets, ensuring technical feasibility and operational success
• Chair vehicle-level design and milestone reviews, holding the team to the Firefly and Program standards to meet the risk posture of the program
• Develop innovative solutions for vehicle design and operations, integrating modern technologies to improve program capabilities
• Identify creative ways to achieve standardization and commonality of component selection and integrated system designs across Firefly programs/product lines
• Own the technical risk posture for assigned program/product and missions as the authority for vehicle risk
• Actively reduce system vulnerabilities though robust root cause investigation, change management, corrective action, and risk mitigation/verification plans
• Review and validate designs, work instructions, nonconformances, test plans, and test procedures across sub-systems
• Manage program risks by identifying, mitigating, and tracking potential technical issues, while enabling cross-department/program communication of impacts risks and associated changes
• Provide real time (on-console) support for integrated operations, working to resolve live anomalies during mission operations
• Lead interdisciplinary efforts in coordination with Business Development, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations for your assigned program/product
• Collaborate with Production, Integration, and Quality Assurance departments to ensure seamless operations
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers, vendors, and program partners across the full lifecycle (from proposal through end of mission data reviews)
• Represent Firefly at conferences, reviews, and investor meetings
• Lead Mission Readiness and Data Reviews to ensure the vehicle and personnel are ready to support missions for assigned program/product
• Provide technical mentorship to the team and facilitate the training pipeline for the Chief Engineering team

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)
• 10+ yrs. in spacecraft/subsystem development and operations
• 5+ yrs. in aerospace working in a leadership role
• Subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft spacecraft, space systems, or operations Engineering domains
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals, including a strong understanding of orbital mechanics
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time, with higher percentages in support of environmental test and launch
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
• Flexibility regarding workflow and process
• Excellent organization skills; willingness to work with a team, share expertise, and follow instructions to accomplish established goals

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft and space systems engineering, with a strong focus on vehicle-level architecture, risk management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to lead technical teams, optimize design processes, and ensure mission readiness through effective communication and innovative problem-solving.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Spacecraft Development
• Orbital Mechanics
• Technical Risk Management
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Vehicle-Level Architecture
• System-Level Trades
• Mass and Power Budget Analysis
• Root Cause Investigation
• Change Management
• Test Plan Validation
• Data Review
• Engineering Fundamentals
• Mission Operations Support
• Component Standardization

Soft Skills

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Effective Communication
• Excellent Organization Skills
• Flexibility
• Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• TS/SCI Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

• Aerospace
• Space Systems
• Program Management
• Quality Assurance
• Environmental Testing