Director, Propulsion Engineering

Firefly Aerospace; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; 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 in Austin, TX is seeking a Propulsion Director to lead the design, development, test, and operation of propulsion systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will own propulsion hardware programs from requirements through flight readiness, guiding a large engineering organization.

The role requires deep propulsion knowledge, leadership of ~100 engineers, strong systems thinking, and a commitment to rigorous testing and continuous improvement within a fast-paced

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years in propulsion design, development, or test.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams.
• Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems.
• Experience owning hardware from concept through testing and operation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of propulsion programs across launch vehicles and spacecraft.
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers.
• Own propulsion hardware across full lifecycle from requirements to flight readiness.
• Serve as senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems at design reviews and flight readiness activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing and quality.
• Drive performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through rigorous design practices and data-driven decisions.
• Identify and close risks through analysis, testing, and operational feedback.
• Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components and engines.
• Contribute to new engine and propulsion technology development with technical guidance.
• Establish and uphold engineering standards and compliance with industry/government requirements.

Skills

B.S. in Eng

Propulsion design

Test & qualification

Engineering leadership

Cryogenic propellants

Fluid systems

Valve & regulators

System safety comms

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

About the Role

The Propulsion Director provides technical and organizational leadership for the design, development, test, qualification, and operation of propulsion systems across Firefly’s launch vehicles and spacecraft. This role is accountable for multiple engine and fluid system programs spanning early architecture trades through flight operations.

As a vertically integrated company with co-located design, fabrication, and test facilities, Firefly expects the Propulsion Director to be deeply engaged in hardware development while setting a clear technical vision and execution strategy. The successful candidate balances hands‑on technical depth with people leadership, thrives in a fast-paced development environment, and drives a culture of rigorous testing, ownership, and continuous improvement.

The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, vehicle fluid systems, valve design, and propulsion analysis teams.

Responsibilities

• Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of all propulsion and fluid systems programs across launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Lead, develop, and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and professional growth
• Maintain ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture trades through qualification, flight, and operations
• Serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems, supporting major design reviews, test readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness activities
• Collaborate closely with discipline chief engineers, vehicle chief engineers, and cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, quality, and test
• Drive propulsion system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design practices and data‑driven decision making
• Ensure robust risk identification, mitigation, and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback
• Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines, with an emphasis on learning‑oriented testing
• Contribute directly to new engine and propulsion technology development, providing technical insight and guidance where needed
• Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and compliance with applicable industry and government requirements

Qualifications

Required

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs
• Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery, thermodynamics, and thermal systems as well as a demonstrated ability to apply these first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions
• Demonstrated experience owning hardware from early concept through testing, qualification, and operation
• Hands‑on experience driving performance, reliability, or design‑for‑manufacturability initiatives
• Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems
• Working knowledge of relevant aerospace standards and requirements (e.g., SMC‑S‑016, SMC‑S‑025)
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components (such as machining, inspection, assembly, testing, etc.)
• Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis with such components
• Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent propulsion programs to internal and external stakeholders

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field
• Extensive experience developing and operating liquid rocket engines, launch vehicles, or spacecraft
• In‑depth knowledge of cryogenic, high‑pressure, or high‑temperature system operations
• Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing (such as valves, regulators, piping systems, pumps, etc.)
• Familiarity with multiple engine cycle architectures (e.g., gas generator, staged combustion, full‑flow staged combustion)
• Proven ability to build and sustain a high‑performing engineering culture centered on ownership, learning, and execution
• Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank‑sheet design through full operation
• Demonstrated passion for advancing propulsion technology and integrating emerging capabilities into an executable roadmap

Disclaimer

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and

vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, 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.