Chief Spacecraft Systems Architect

Cedarparktexasedc; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Chief Engineer to define vehicle-level architecture and ensure mission success from Earth to the Moon and beyond. You will lead interdisciplinary optimization, drive system trades, and manage risk across programs from proposal through end-of-mission data reviews.

You will be based at our Hive Spacecraft facility near Cedar Park, TX, with regular on-site presence at the production and test facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years in spacecraft/subsystem development and operations.
• 5+ years in aerospace leadership roles.
• Subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft/space systems or operations engineering domains.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics.
• Travel ~10% of time.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organization and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Define vehicle-level architecture, capabilities, specifications, operations, and interdisciplinary optimization.
• Lead system-level trades to drive innovation in vehicle design and functionality.
• Analyze mass, delta‑V, power, and data budgets for feasibility and success.
• Chair vehicle-level design reviews and ensure program risk posture aligns with standards.
• Develop innovative solutions to enhance vehicle design and operations.
• Promote standardization and commonality across programs.
• Own technical risk posture for assigned program and missions.
• Investigate root causes, manage changes, and mitigate risks.
• Review designs, work instructions, test plans, and procedures across subsystems.
• Provide on-console support during mission operations and resolve live anomalies.
• Coordinate with BD, Engineering, PM, and Operations for assigned program.
• Represent Firefly at conferences, reviews, and investor meetings.
• Lead Mission Readiness and Data Reviews to ensure readiness.
• Mentor team and support training pipeline for Chief Engineering.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in engineering or相关

10+ yrs in spacecraft/subsystem

5+ yrs in aerospace leadership

Subject matter expert in spacecraft/空间

Active TS/SCI security clearance

Orbital mechanics knowledge

Travel ~10%

Strong communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline

Master's or PhD in engineering or related discipline

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Bitbucket

Teamcenter

Epsilon3

Odoo

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Chief Engineer to define vehicle-level architecture and ensure mission success from Earth to the Moon and beyond. You will lead interdisciplinary optimization, drive system trades, and manage risk across programs from proposal through end-of-mission data reviews.

You will be based at our Hive Spacecraft facility near Cedar Park, TX, with regular on-site presence at the production and test facilities.