Chief Space Systems Architect

Firefly Aerospace; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Chief Engineer to lead system-level optimization for vehicle architectures and capabilities, guiding interdisciplinary teams from proposal through end-of-mission data reviews. The role requires hardware-in-the-loop leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and robust risk management across multiple spacecraft programs.

You will be the primary technical authority, directing design reviews, validation, and problem resolution at Firefly’s Production and Test facilities

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on engineering problem solving in design, analysis, test, or operations of launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to travel approx. 10% of the time, with higher percentages for environmental test and launch.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross‑functional teams and customers.
• ITAR/export regulations compliance and U.S. citizenship or eligible status as required.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Analyze and optimize mass, delta V, power, and data budgets for feasibility and success.
• Chair vehicle-level design and milestone reviews to meet program standards and risk posture.
• Develop innovative solutions for vehicle design and operations using modern technologies.
• Identify ways to standardize and achieve commonality across Firefly programs.
• Own the technical risk posture and act as the authority for vehicle risk.
• Reduce system vulnerabilities through root cause investigation and risk mitigation.

Skills

Engineering problem solving

Orbital mechanics understanding

System-level trades analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline

Master's or PhD degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

Confluence/Jira/Bitbucket

Teamcenter

Epsilon3

Odoo

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Chief Engineer to lead system-level optimization for vehicle architectures and capabilities, guiding interdisciplinary teams from proposal through end-of-mission data reviews. The role requires hardware-in-the-loop leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and robust risk management across multiple spacecraft programs.

You will be the primary technical authority, directing design reviews, validation, and problem resolution at Firefly’s Production and Test facilities