Lead Fluids Systems Engineer – Ground Launch

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision plans

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Fl­­uids Ground Support Equipment (FGSE) Engineer to own the lifecycle of critical fluid systems across launch sites, test stands, and production facilities. You will design, analyze, and build complex fluid systems including cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems, collaborating with technicians and cross‑functional teams to deliver robust solutions.

You will lead design reviews, develop P&IDs, perform sizing, and guide vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent.
• 5-10 years of experience with fluid systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, or HVAC in design, assembly, test, or operations.
• Thorough understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, tanks, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation.
• Experience with fluid system subcomponents or pressurized components development, design, or testing.
• Familiarity with ASME, NASA, and AFSPCMAN standards related to fluid system design.
• Experience with ground systems (GSE) or related fluid systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and build test stand and launch pad fluid systems (incompressible, cryogenic, high-pressure gas).
• Own the full design cycle: schematics, P&IDs, sizing, BOMs, CAD, hardware procurement, drawings.
• Collaborate with technicians and welders to build and validate designs.
• Lead internal design reviews and external reviews; represent Firefly.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve engineering tools and processes.
• Travel to test and launch sites to support build and activation.

Skills

Fluid systems

P&IDs

3D CAD

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Valves & regulators

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

REFPROP

GFSSP

Job description

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Fl­­uids Ground Support Equipment (FGSE) Engineer to own the lifecycle of critical fluid systems across launch sites, test stands, and production facilities. You will design, analyze, and build complex fluid systems including cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems, collaborating with technicians and cross‑functional teams to deliver robust solutions.

You will lead design reviews, develop P&IDs, perform sizing, and guide vendors.