Instrumentation & Controls Manager Engineering GSE

Firefly Aerospace; Bertram (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a seasoned Electrical/Flight Systems Lead to direct a team of engineers responsible for ground support equipment and instrumentation for launch vehicles. You will oversee integration, testing, and troubleshooting across development, test, and launch operations.

You will drive technical excellence, mentor staff, manage project milestones, and ensure compliance with aerospace standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in integration/testing of process control systems or launch systems is preferred.
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers responsible for GSE control and instrumentation.
• Oversee design, development, testing, and deployment of instrumentation and control systems.
• Review drawings, diagrams, and wiring diagrams for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and vendors to manage project scope, milestones, and budgets.
• Ensure aerospace quality standards and safety requirements are met.

Skills

Electrical fundamentals

Communication skills

Planning skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

DMMs

Power supplies

Oscilloscopes

ADC/DAC circuits

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 FireflyFirefly 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.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & ManagementLead & mentor a team of up to 10 engineers as they design, implement, and troubleshoot modern instrumentation and control systems for the ground systems of tomorrow’s launch vehicles and spacecraftRecruit, develop, and retain top engineering talent with passion for advancing space accessSet clear goals, provide regular feedback, align individual development with company targets, conduct performance reviews, and nurture a healthy and challenging team cultureInspire and nurture a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement by challenging hardware and software norms and developing more effective workspaces & toolsDefine and manage project definition, project milestones, hand-off, and resource allocation forecastsTechnical LeadershipOversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of GSE control and instrumentation systems including:Functional test systems and automated test equipment (ATE)Data acquisition systems and signal conditioningControl panels, junction panels, and vehicle umbilical/quick disconnect systemsSensor integration (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, pressure transducers, etc) for developmentReview & approve instrumentation and control system drawing packages including, but not limited to:Control & I/O diagramsInstrument and control cable schedulesInstrument Loop DiagramsJunction box and control panel wiring diagramsDiagnose and resolve complex electrical problems in Integration, Test, and Launch systemsSupport Test execution/troubleshooting and validate functional testing configurationsReview & analyze test data to ensure the highest quality test data and accuracyEnsure compliance with aerospace quality standards, safety requirements, and local regulationsCross Functional CollaborationCoordinate and manage relationships with interdisciplinary teams to set project requirements, coordinate on complex construction projects (new Test Stands, Launch Sites, vehicle transport systems, etc), manage scope creep, and balance technical rigor with program urgencyManage capital budgets for Ground Support projectsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical disciplineMinimum 5 years of experience in integration and/or testing of process control systems, spacecraft test equipment, or launch systems.Minimum 2 years of direct management experience or team leadership experienceStrong electrical fundamentals with hands-on experience using DMMs, power supplies, oscilloscopes, and small ADC/DAC circuits.Working knowledge of common electrical sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, pressure transducers, encoders, load cells etc)Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skillsDemonstrated ability and desire to work with interdisciplinary teamsPreferred QualificationsSpacecraft / Launch Vehicle test and validation experienceExperience with launch site operations and GSE deploymentExperience programming PLCs/FPGAsExperience programming and implementing HMIs (human machine interfaces)Proficiency with motion controllers, signal conditioners, or data acquisition systems (National instruments, etc.)Ability to write and simulate automated testing scripts in LabVIEW, Python, or similarFamiliarity with MIL-STD specifications and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NASA)A balanced sense of urgency and risk management style to handle interdisciplinary conflicts as they arise.Experience managing vendor relationships and external contractorsPrimary 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.