Launch Technician, Fluid & Mechanical IV

Firefly Aerospace; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Virginia is seeking a Mechanical/Fluid Technician IV to support the launch team. You will fabricate, operate, and maintain critical pad systems, leading a small group of technicians and performing work with minimal supervision.

The role requires 5+ years in mechanical and fluid systems, experience with high‑pressure pneumatics and cryogenics, and the ability to read engineering drawings. Travel to test sites is occasional as part of a dynamic, safety‑driven program.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical and fluid systems including high-pressure pneumatics, cryogenic, propellant, and/or ground support equipment.
• Experienced in high-pressure system operation, fabrication (tube bending, routing, flaring, etc.), and precision cleaning standards.
• Knowledge of fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok.
• Familiarity with standard shop practices related to drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
• Experience with crane and lift operations.
• Competency with Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools (JIRA, image-based documentation, etc.).
• Ability to pass background checks to access government facilities.
• Physically capable of lifting 30 lbs unassisted and working at heights up to 100 feet.

Responsibilities

• Lead technicians in build, install, operate, and maintain ground support equipment.
• Support engineers in system design and reviews.
• Fabricate parts, assemblies, and piping to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Interpret P&IDs and drawings for installation, troubleshooting, and repair of pad systems.
• Install and maintain fluid system components, including valves, sensors, flow meters, and gauges.
• Operate pad systems during launch and checkout operations.

Skills

Mechanical & fluid systems

High-pressure pneumatics

Cryogenic systems

Ground support equipment

Crane & lift operations

Microsoft Office

JIRA

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree (desired)

Tools

Microsoft Office

JIRA

Image-based documentation

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

.

Summary

As a Mechanical/Fluid Technician IV supporting Firefly’s launch team, you will be responsible for the fabrication, operation, and maintenance of critical pad systems. You’ll be part of a tight-knit, agile team trusted to operate with minimal supervision. This role demands initiative, precision, and a high level of mechanical aptitude and will directly impact mission success.

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

As a Mechanical/Fluid Technician IV supporting Firefly’s launch team, you will be responsible for the fabrication, operation, and maintenance of critical pad systems. You’ll be part of a tight-knit, agile team trusted to operate with minimal supervision. This role demands initiative, precision, and a high level of mechanical aptitude and will directly impact mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of technicians through build, installation, operation, and maintenance of ground support equipment.
• Support engineers in system design and reviews.
• Fabricate parts, assemblies, and piping to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Interpret complex P&IDs and drawings for the installation, troubleshooting and repair of pad systems.
• Install and maintain fluid system components, including valves, regulators, sensors, flow meters, and gauges.
• Install, remove, and lockout/tagout equipment for the safe test, repair, or upgrade of existing systems.
• Utilize a wide range of mechanical and test tools (wrenches, sockets, torque wrenches, calipers, micrometers, plug/pin gauge, dewpoint meter, etc.) to maintain launch systems and ensure proper calibration to performance standards.
• Execute procedures to operate pad systems as required for launch and checkout operations.
• Assist with developing operational procedures and participate in continuous site improvements.
• Operate heavy equipment such boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and cranes.
• Weld aluminum and steel parts to tight engineering tolerances on as needed basis.
• Perform general housekeeping and continuous improvement of the appearance of the site.
• Configure launch site fluid and mechanical systems for test and launch operations and support Red Team on launch day.
• Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and performance specifications.
• Travels to test and launch sites as required to support the overall program (less than 10%).

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical and fluid systems including high-pressure pneumatics, cryogenic, propellant, and/or ground support equipment
• Experienced in high-pressure system operation, fabrication (tube bending, routing, flaring, etc.), and precision cleaning standards.
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok.
• Familiarity and ability to develop standard shop practices related to drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
• Experience with crane and lift operations.
• Competency with Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools (JIRA, image-based documentation, etc.).
• Ability to pass background checks to access government facilities.
• Physically capable of lifting 30 lbs unassisted, working in various climate conditions, and at elevated heights up to 100 feet.

Desired

• Associate degree in a technical or engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant welding experience MIG, Stick and Flux Core.
• Experience building and welding heavy structural steel including 3/4”+ plate.
• 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 of other personnel.
• Ability to read and understand operating system schematics and drawings.

• 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.