Chief Engineer, Advanced Tech — Lead Next-Gen Propulsion

Firefly Aerospace, Inc.; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. seeks a Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department in Austin, TX.

You will lead design, development, integration, and launch of key tech for current and future missions, driving technical strategy and ensuring safety and performance across ATD systems. You will mentor teams, coordinate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC, and oversee testing and optimization of complex propulsion systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 15+ years designing propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace.
• Proven leadership with high-performing technical teams.
• Track record delivering complex systems from concept to flight.
• Strong communication and collaboration across stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical design, fluid dynamics, combustion, and thermal management.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience integrating, testing, and launching liquid-propellant launch vehicles.
• Proficient in CFD/FEA and system-level analyses.
• Experience with loads, environments, and structural analysis

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 closely 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 comprehensive analyses, simulations, and testing to validate and optimize the performance and reliability of ATD systems
• Identify potential issues, manage technical risks, and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful system development and mission outcomes
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

System integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD

FEA

Thermal analysis

Propulsion testing

Job description

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. seeks a Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department in Austin, TX.

You will lead design, development, integration, and launch of key tech for current and future missions, driving technical strategy and ensuring safety and performance across ATD systems. You will mentor teams, coordinate across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC, and oversee testing and optimization of complex propulsion systems.