Launch Engineer I, Fluids Mechanical

Firefly Aerospace; California; On-site; USD 44,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health plans with low plan }

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in California is seeking a Launch Engineer I, Fluids Mechanical who will fabricate, operate, and maintain fluid systems for launch day activities, supporting test and launch operations. You will read P&IDs and drawings, use tools, and work safely at heights, with a focus on reliability and continuous improvement. This role requires a High School diploma and hands-on mechanical experience.

Join a compact team and contribute to missions from our California site.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment.
• Experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling.
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, JIRA, and photo generation/compilation.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg AFB, CA.
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings.
• Must be comfortable stooping and bending, as well as standing for long periods of time to support test and launch day operations.
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 100 feet).
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted.

Responsibilities

• Reads and interprets piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), engineering drawings, and shop drawings to support fluid system installation, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Assists with the installation, maintenance, and repair of fluid system components, including tubing, piping, valves, sensors, gauges, regulators, and relief devices.
• Uses mechanical tools and precision measuring equipment to assemble, inspect, and verify systems in accordance with technical specifications and approved procedures.
• Supports launch pad system configuration, activation, checkout, and operations for test and launch activities.
• Assists with developing and executing operational and maintenance procedures under the guidance of experienced technicians and engineers.
• Follows established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, and operates material handling and elevated work equipment when trained and authorized.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travels to test facilities and launch sites as required to support program testing and launch operations.

Skills

Mechanical systems troubleshooting

Tool use and measurement

Reading schematics and drawings

Basic computer skills

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in engineering / technical / mechanical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

JIRA

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.

SUMMARY

Firefly Fluid/Mechanical Launch Technicians within the launch group will be responsible for the fabrication, operation and maintenance of launch site mechanical and fluid systems. You will also be part of launch day activities and help launch the rockets. You will work as part of a small, so a self-starter is a must!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reads and interprets piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), engineering drawings, and shop drawings to support fluid system installation, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Assists with the installation, maintenance, and repair of fluid system components, including tubing, piping, valves, sensors, gauges, regulators, and relief devices.
• Uses mechanical tools and precision measuring equipment to assemble, inspect, and verify systems in accordance with technical specifications and approved procedures.
• Supports launch pad system configuration, activation, checkout, and operations for test and launch activities.
• Assists with developing and executing operational and maintenance procedures under the guidance of experienced technicians and engineers.
• Follows established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, and operates material handling and elevated work equipment when trained and authorized.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travels to test facilities and launch sites as required to support program testing and launch operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED
• 0-2 years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• Experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling
• General knowledge of shop practices include layout, drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, JIRA, and photo generation/compilation
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg AFB, CA
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Must be comfortable stooping and bending, as well as standing for long periods of time to support test and launch day operations.
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 100 feet).
• Ability to work in varying climate environments, heat, cold, rain.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in engineering, technical, or mechanical field.
• Adept at troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with mechanical equipment with the ability to apply a resolution in a timely fashion.
• Ability to write routine reports, solve practical problems, and clearly communicate tasks and needs, and training other personnel.
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok

BENEFITS

• Generous health plans with low plan deductibles
• Dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Pet Insurance

Flexible PTO options

COMPENSATION

• Launch Engineer I, Fluids Mechanical - $32.17 - $44.23 Hourly (California)

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.