Chief Engineer, Advanced Propulsion Technology

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, a space and defense technology company, is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department to lead design, development, integration, and launch of key technologies for our missions.

You will oversee technical strategy and delivery, mentor cross-functional teams across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC, and drive risk management and reliability to meet the highest standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 15+ years in propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace.
• Proven leadership of a high-performing technical team.
• Track record delivering complex systems from concept to flight.
• Strong problem-solving with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical design, fluid dynamics, combustion, and thermal management.
• Passion for learning and teaching advanced technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for ATD.
• Mentor ATD teams across analysis, propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to ensure integration and performance.
• Oversee selection, design, and testing of system components.
• Conduct analyses, simulations, and testing to validate performance.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans to enable mission success.
• Foster culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CFD

FEA

Job description

Firefly Aerospace, a space and defense technology company, is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department to lead design, development, integration, and launch of key technologies for our missions.

You will oversee technical strategy and delivery, mentor cross-functional teams across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC, and drive risk management and reliability to meet the highest standards.