Launch Engineer IV, Test and Launch Operations

Firefly Aerospace; Bertram (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced launch operations engineer to lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of vehicle testing and launch operations across multiple sites. You will author procedures, drive cross-functional improvements, and help ensure mission success.

The role requires a strong systems engineering background, hands-on field experience, and the ability to manage time-critical operations with a team of engineers and technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in test and/or launch operations in high-consequence environments.
• Experience producing systems engineering artifacts and supporting verification.
• Ability to develop automation sequences for time-critical systems.
• Willingness to work off-hour shifts during launches and travel to sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of test and launch operation processes and training.
• Execute integrated test and launch operations at multiple sites and international locations.
• Collaborate across teams to drive upgrades and standardized procedures.
• Troubleshoot anomalies, perform RCA, and drive corrective actions.
• Develop automation and operational software tools for launch execution.
• Author procedures for pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant handling.
• Provide program planning support and conduct trade studies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

Confluence

Jira

MS Office

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.SUMMARYThe Vehicle and Launch Operations team is hiring high-impact, dynamic engineers who thrive on solving problems in diverse environments. This role will lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of vehicle testing and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, including Wallops Flight Facility, Vandenberg Launch Site, and International Launch sites. A key focus will be integrating operations across subsystems and upstream processes to enable seamless execution from testing through launch. Responsibilities include authoring operational procedures, developing automation, performing console operations, and driving cross-functional improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and mission success.RESPONSIBILITIESLead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operationsDevelop and execute integrated test and launch operations at Briggs Test Stands (TX), Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), and International Launch sitesCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive upgrades, efficiencies, and establish standardized processes across launch sitesLead troubleshooting efforts, resolve anomalies that arise during operations/testing, and lead root cause investigationsDevelop automation and operational software tools to support test and launch executionAuthor procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operationsDevelop and author operational requirementsProvide team and program execution planningProposal and trade study supportRequires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needsQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline7+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environmentsExperience developing systems engineering artifacts (requirements, test verification evidence, FMECAs) and utilizing systems engineering toolsExperience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systemsComfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materialsAble to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environmentWillingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operationsDesiredSystem-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controlsExperience with distributed control systems or custom data acquisition and control architectureExperience with standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)Prior experience at a federal launch range or rocket engine or vehicle test siteAbility to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences, including executive audiencesDemonstrated project management experienceExperience developing budgets and schedules, etc.Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, Git, etc.)Primary 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.