Instrumentation & Controls Engineer III-Ground Systems

Firefly Aerospace; Bertram (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas is seeking a Level III Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to act as SME for control systems across test stands, launch infrastructure, and ground support equipment. You will architect solutions from concept to commissioning and guide small teams on time-sensitive projects.

The role demands deep PLC, HMI, data acquisition, sensor calibration, LabVIEW, and automation scripting expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls, Instrumentation, or related field.
• Master's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering preferred.
• 3-5 years in instrumentation and controls engineering for industrial systems or aerospace ground/flight applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and introduce control systems for test stands, launch infrastructure, and ground support equipment.
• Develop PLC logic and HMIs for industrial applications.
• Configure data acquisition systems and sensor interfaces; calibrate instrumentation per standards.
• Lead small technical teams and provide technical direction across projects.
• Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, and field troubleshooting during test campaigns.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Data acquisition

Sensor calibration

LabVIEW

Python scripting

AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical schematics

SCADA

Ethernet/IP/Modbus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls/Instrumentation or related engineering

Master's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

National Instruments hardware (cRIO/CompactRIO)

LabVIEW Real-Time

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACEFirefly 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.About the RoleJoin Firefly's Ground Systems team as a Level III Instrumentation & Controls Engineer and become the technical authority for the systems that make launch, orbit, and landing possible. This isn't theoretical engineering—it's expert-level design, technical leadership, and strategic direction for the control systems and instrumentation that monitor rocket engines, manage cryogenic propellants, and enable rapid-fire test campaigns across all of Firefly’s programs. As a Level III engineer, you are the subject matter expert and technical leader. You'll architect complete control system solutions from concept through commissioning, lead complex projects and multiple engineers on time-sensitive initiatives, and serve as the go-to authority when the toughest technical challenges arise. Your control architectures will span all of Firefly's test stands, test fixtures, and launch sites. Your technical decisions will influence and shape the evolution of rapidly evolving launch and in-space programs. Your expertise will guide the next generation of engineers developing Firefly's ground infrastructure. This role demands technical mastery and leadership. You'll need deep expertise in PLCs, HMIs, data acquisition, and instrumentation—but also the strategic vision to set technical direction, the leadership skills to guide project teams, and the business acumen to support project execution and customer engagement. You'll work at the highest technical level—defining standards, driving innovation, developing roadmaps, and representing Firefly's I&C capabilities to internal and external stakeholders. You'll lead technical teams through the most complex challenges, make architectural decisions that impact multiple programs, and resolve problems that other engineers escalate to you. When a novel test requirement demands a control solution that doesn't exist yet, you'll architect it. When a major customer has concerns about data integrity or performance, you'll be in the room explaining our approach. When a critical project needs expert leadership to stay on track, you'll take the reins. If you're a recognized expert in instrumentation and controls who's ready to shape the technical direction of a growing space company, mentor the next generation of engineers, and see your architectural vision enable humanity's expansion into space, this is your opportunity.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise:Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for instrumentation and controls across FireflyLead small technical teams of 1-2 engineers on specific, complex, or time-sensitive projects and initiativesCreate and maintain procedures and standards for design, fabrication, and activation of control systems and control hardwareDrive innovation in control system methodologies, tools, and approachesDevelop long-term technical roadmaps for I&C capabilities and infrastructureArchitect control system solutions for novel applications and complex technical challengesProvide technical authority and final design approval for critical control systemsServe as technical escalation point for complex troubleshooting and problem resolutionRepresent Firefly I&C capabilities in technical reviews, working groups, and industry forumsStrategic Planning & Business Development:Participate in proposal development and provide technical input for new business opportunitiesInterface with internal and external customers to understand and resolve technical challengesSupport cost estimation and technical risk assessment for new projectsContribute to technical strategy and capability development planningIdentify opportunities for technology advancement and competitive differentiationDevelop relationships with vendors, technology providers, and industry partnersControl System Design & Implementation:Design, develop, test, and introduce controls, human-machine interfaces, data acquisition, and PLC systems for equipment involving mechanical, electrical, electronic controls, and fluid handling systemsDesign and implement PLC-based control systems for test stands, launch infrastructure, and ground support equipmentDevelop control logic, ladder logic, and structured text programming for Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platformsDesign and configure HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) for operator control and system monitoringCreate control system architectures including I/O mapping, network topology, and control panel layoutsDesign interlock logic and safety systems to protect personnel, equipment, and flight hardwareDevelop automated sequencing for propellant loading, engine testing, and vehicle processing operationsImplement motion control systems for valves, actuators, and positioning systemsDevelop SCADA systems for monitoring and control of distributed ground support equipmentInstrumentation & Data Acquisition:Specify, select, and integrate sensors including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, strain gauges, load cells, and position encodersDesign signal conditioning circuits and amplification systems for sensor interfacesConfigure data acquisition systems using National Instruments hardware (cRIO, CompactRIO, PXI) or similar platformsDevelop LabVIEW or Python scripts for automated data collection and analysisDesign instrumentation layouts and cable routing for test stands and launch facilitiesCalibrate instrumentation and maintain calibration records per AS9100 requirementsImplement high-speed data acquisition for transient measurements during engine firingsElectrical Design & Documentation:Generate instrumentation and control system drawing packages for projects including control and I/O diagrams, instrument and control cable schedules, instrument loop diagrams, junction box wiring diagrams, control panel layout and wiring diagramsCreate electrical drawings including single-line diagrams, control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and conduit routing plansDesign control panels including power distribution, circuit protection, terminal blocks, and component mountingSpecify electrical components including breakers, contactors, relays, power supplies, and signal convertersReview and approve electrical installation work for compliance with design intent and electrical codesMaintain as-built documentation and configuration control of electrical systemsProcurement & Vendor Management:Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for all required instrumentation and electrical equipment to be purchased for projectsPrepare technical specifications and requisitions for control system componentsCoordinate with procurement team to ensure timely delivery of materialsReview vendor submittals, datasheets, and technical documentation for compliance with specificationsManage relationships with equipment vendors and system integratorsEvaluate new technologies and products for potential application in ground systemsTesting & Development:Create and conduct in-house testing and development of equipmentDevelop test procedures and acceptance criteria for control system validationPerform bench testing of control panels, instrumentation, and data acquisition systemsConduct proof-of-concept testing for new control strategies and technologiesValidate software and firmware before deployment to operational systemsInstallation, Commissioning & Testing:Handle all controls and communications aspects of installation, including pre-installation site surveys, controls installation preparedness, and equipment commissioningSupport installation activities including panel fabrication, cable pulling, termination, and system integrationAssist in building of panels and other electrical hardware based on drawingsPerform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of control systemsCommission control systems including I/O checkout, loop tuning, and functional verificationValidate control logic through simulation and dry-run testing before live operationsTroubleshoot electrical and control system issues during installation and commissioningProvide engineering support to technicians during installation and commissioning activitiesSupport operational readiness reviews and safety reviews for new systemsTest Operations Support:Work with launch and test personnel in performing checkouts and commissioning of installed instrumentation and electrical systems, including calibration and/or configuration of instrument devicesPerform site checkouts for test and launch operations and support launch and test day as neededSupport test campaigns by operating control systems, monitoring data acquisition, and troubleshooting real-time issuesProvide on-call engineering support for test operations including evenings and weekends as neededDiagnose and resolve control system anomalies during test operations with minimal downtimeReview test data and provide feedback on instrumentation performance and data qualityImplement rapid modifications to control systems to support evolving test requirementsCollaborate with test engineers to optimize test procedures and system performanceCross-Functional Collaboration:Work with operations team to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements, proper and timely build of equipment, and cost reduction in designWork closely with mechanical, fluids, structures, and software engineers to define system requirementsWork with multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively between different schools of engineeringParticipate in design reviews including PDR, CDR, and operational readiness reviewsCoordinate with operations teams to understand operational needs and constraintsInterface with vendors and contractors for equipment procurement and installationProvide personnel training on control system operationProvide technical input to project managers on schedule, cost, and technical riskMentorship & Technical Leadership:Mentor Level I and Level II engineers and technicians on control system design, PLC programming, and instrumentation best practicesReview technical work products from junior engineers including drawings, calculations, and codeLead small technical projects or subsystem design effortsContribute to development of engineering standards, templates, and best practicesSupport continuous improvement of engineering processes and toolsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls, Instrumentation, or related Engineering or technical disciplineMinimum 3-5 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering for industrial systems, test facilities, or ground support equipment3-5 years of recent experience in a professional setting outside the classroom in control systems for chemical/oil facilities (SCADA), aerospace ground or vehicle control systems, or similar industrial applicationsHands-on experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms) using ladder logic and structured textExperience designing and configuring HMIs for industrial control applicationsStrong understanding of instrumentation including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and calibrationWorking knowledge of common electrical sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, encoders, etc.)Proficiency with data acquisition systems, preferably National Instruments hardware and LabVIEWAbility to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control system documentationExperience with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet)Strong electrical fundamentals including circuit analysis, power systems, and analog/digital electronicsProficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design softwareExperience with commissioning and troubleshooting of control systems in operational environmentsHands-on experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and calibration equipmentAbility to learn quickly, take accountability, and self-motivateGood oral and written communication skillsStrong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and control issuesEffective communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaborationFlexibility to support test operations including extended hours and weekend work as neededU.S. Person status required (U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee) due to ITAR/EAR requirementsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, petrochemical, or similar high-reliability industriesExperience with rocket engine test stands, launch pad control systems, or propulsion test facilitiesKnowledge of cryogenic fluid systems, high-pressure gas systems, and propellant handling operationsExperience with National Instruments cRIO or CompactRIO systems and LabVIEW Real-Time programmingProficiency with Python for automation scripting and data analysisSCADA creation or management experience for distributed control systemsAbility to assist in panel assembly and hands-on fabrication of electrical hardwareFamiliarity with ISO, IEEE, NFPA, ANSI, and EIA codes and electrical codes and requirementsKnowledge of NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79, and UL 508A electrical standardsUnderstanding of EMI/EMC considerations and design practicesExperience with motion control systems and servo drivesFamiliarity with SCADA systems and industrial networking infrastructureExperience with RF systems, telemetry, or wireless instrumentationUnderstanding of hazardous location electrical design (Class I, Div 1/2)Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systemsPrevious experience supporting test campaigns or launch operationsPE license or EIT certificationSix Sigma or Lean certificationPrimary Level Salary Range: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.