Chief Engineer, Advanced Space Technology

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Texas seeks a Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department to lead design, development, integration, and launch of key technologies for our missions.

You will supervise technical strategy, ensure performance, reliability, and safety, and mentor engineers across ATD teams, including propulsion, GNC, structures, and avionics, driving innovation and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 15+ years designing propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace.
• Proven leadership in delivering complex systems from concept to flight.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical design, fluid dynamics, combustion, and thermal management.
• Passion for teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the Advanced Technology Department, ensuring alignment with the company's goals and objectives
• Serve as a technical mentor across all ATD teams, including analysis, components, propulsion systems, engines, structures, and avionics
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders, chief engineers, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization of ATD systems
• Oversee the selection, design, evaluation, and testing of system components and subsystems
• Conduct analyses, simulations, and testing to validate performance and reliability of ATD systems
• Identify issues, manage risks, and develop mitigation plans for successful development and mission outcomes
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Propulsion systems

Fluid dynamics

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

CFD tools

FEA software

Simulation tools

Systems engineering tools

Job description

Firefly Aerospace in Texas seeks a Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department to lead design, development, integration, and launch of key technologies for our missions.

You will supervise technical strategy, ensure performance, reliability, and safety, and mentor engineers across ATD teams, including propulsion, GNC, structures, and avionics, driving innovation and cross-functional collaboration.