Chief Engineer, Advanced Technology

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

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

You will oversee technical strategy, execution, and delivery of ATD systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety while inspiring and mentoring a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 15+ years in propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Proven track record delivering complex systems from concept to flight.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

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 design, evaluation, and testing of system components.
• Conduct analyses and testing to validate performance and reliability.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans; drive innovation and improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD

FEA

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

Summary

As the Chief Engineer for the Advanced Technology Department (ATD), you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, development, integration, and launch of key technologies for our current and future missions. You will be responsible for overseeing the technical strategy, execution, and delivery of these systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. We are seeking a candidate who not only possesses the technical skills and expertise for the role but also exhibits an undeniable passion for their work and the ability to inspire and motivate those around them.

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, including guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), structures, avionics, and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization of ATD systems
• Oversee the selection, design, evaluation, and testing of system components and subsystems (e.g., turbomachinery, valves, and injectors)
• 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

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in the design, development, and integration of propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace applications
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a high‑performing technical team
• Proven track record of delivering complex systems projects from concept through flight qualification
• Exceptional problem‑solving and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail and a focus on delivering high‑quality solutions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders

• Deep knowledge of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, combustion processes, and thermal management for space applications

• Passion for learning and teaching about advanced technology

Desired

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Experience integrating, testing, and launching liquid‑propellant launch vehicles
• Proficiency in thermal analysis and optimization of propulsion systems to ensure reliable performance and safety
• Proficiency in vehicle‑level loads and environments, structural analysis, and combined loads analysis
• Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and other simulation tools used in propulsion design and testing
• Understanding of materials selection and manufacturing processes for launch vehicle and spacecraft components

• Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, 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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.