Manager, Engineering

Firefly Aerospace; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Texas is seeking a Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the MGSE team and architect the mechanical backbone of ground infrastructure.

You will own designs for test stands, launch sites, and support structures, oversee 15+ engineers, and drive safety, manufacturability, and schedule in a fast-paced aerospace program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering.
• 5+ years in mechanical engineering, preferably aerospace or defense.
• Strong background in structural analysis and steel design.
• Experience leading large engineering teams and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead MGSE engineering team of 15+ engineers and designers.
• Own mechanical design and engineering for MGSE systems.
• Manage multiple concurrent MGSE projects from concept to handover.
• Ensure designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Structural analysis

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS

AS9100

Odoo ERP

NASA-STD-5005

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 the RoleLead the mechanical backbone of Firefly's ground infrastructure as the MGSE (Mechanical Ground Support Equipment) Engineering Manager. This isn't just engineering management - it's architecting and delivering the physical systems that launch rockets and get spacecraft to orbit. From fast-acting, precision hydraulic systems to massive steel structures supporting multi-million-dollar missions, your team will design, build, and commission the mechanical systems that make space access possible. As the Mechanical Engineering Manager for Ground Systems, you'll lead an expert team of engineers responsible for the mechanical and structural aspects of Firefly's ground support equipment across test stands, launch sites, and numerous production/integration facilities and programs.Your responsibilities span Test Stand and Launch Sites, vehicle integration hardware, fast acting and high precision hydraulic systems, and structures that create or maintain safe environments for test, integration, or launch. When Firefly needs a new test stand, your team designs the superstructure, mechanical interfaces, dynamic systems, and works as embedded support for the structures supporting the fluid systems on the stand. When a launch site requires an upgrade, your engineers are the ones called to solve the problem. This role demands both technical depth and leadership excellence.You'll manage 15+ mechanical engineers and designers working on concurrent projects worth millions of dollars. You'll make critical design decisions and trade resolutions, validate structural load calculations, oversee functional checkouts of new hardware, and work with your internal customers across Firefly to support the growing needs before they arise. You'll navigate complex technical trade-offs between performance, cost, schedule, and risk. And you'll represent MGSE capabilities to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders. You and your team will own the concept of operations for new hardware and ensuring it suits both current and future needs of the end user. Your team will support active operations by performing stress analysis on equipment currently in operation, make judgement calls on acceptable levels of design margin, and solve vibration or thermal management challenges that few engineers ever face. This is a role where mechanical engineering meets mission success. When your launch mount successfully supports a vehicle through liftoff, when your team's structural design withstands the extreme environment of a hot fire, when a multi-million dollar payload is safely fueled and integrated with the rocket—that's your impact. If you're a mechanical engineering leader who thrives on complex technical challenges, loves building high-performing teams, and wants to see your systems enable humanity's expansion into space, this is your opportunity to lead from the front.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Management:Lead and manage MGSE engineering team of 15+ mechanical engineers, designers, and technical staffRecruit, hire, and develop top mechanical engineering talentSet team goals, provide coaching and mentorship, and conduct performance reviewsFoster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accountabilityBuild cross-functional working relationships with other GSE Engineering teams, GSE Fabrication, Test Operations, Launch Operations, Integration, and vehicle EngineeringDevelop succession plans and career paths for mechanical engineersMechanical Systems Design & Engineering:Own mechanical design and engineering for MGSE systems including structures, mechanical handling equipment, integration jibs, test adapters, transport fixtures, and lift equipmentManage the design of mechanical handling equipment including cranes, hoists, transporters, and positioning systemsEnsure mechanical designs meet performance requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.Project & Program Management:Oversee multiple concurrent MGSE projects from concept through commissioning and operational handoverDevelop project schedules, resource plans, and budgets for mechanical engineering effortsCoordinate with Program and Project Managers to ensure mechanical engineering deliverables align with program milestonesTrack project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategiesMake critical trade-off decisions balancing technical performance, cost, schedule, and riskProvide accurate forecasts of engineering labor, schedule, and technical risk to leadership.Manage requests for support, scope changes and ensure proper change control processesTechnical Leadership & Decision-Making:Serve as technical authority for mechanical engineering decisions on complex MGSE systemsReview and approve mechanical designs, calculations, drawings, and specificationsFacilitate technical reviews including Requirements Reviews, Conceptual Design Reviews (CoDR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and ConOps reviewsResolve technical conflicts and drive consensus between competing conceptsChallenge requirements where they drive undue challenge, cost, or delivery timelineChampion design-for-manufacturability, design-for-assembly, and design-for-maintenance principlesStrengthen and educate through engineering best practices, lessons learned, and continuous improvementDrive innovation in mechanical design methodologies, tools, and technologiesWork with Safety and Quality teams on risk assessments and mitigation strategies.Structural Engineering:Verify structural analysis and design for test stands, launch infrastructure, and GSE structuresManage Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural components subjected to mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loadsDirect design of foundations, anchor bolts, support structures, and seismic restraintsEnsure structures withstand rocket exhaust plumes, acoustic loads, and environmental conditionsReview structural calculations, load cases, and factor of safety determinationsCoordinate with 3rd party civil engineers on foundation design and site civil workDesign Documentation & Standards:Establish and maintain MGSE design standards, specifications, and engineering processes through coordination with Firefly Systems EngineeringEnsure creation of high-quality mechanical drawings, specifications, and design documentationImplement configuration management and change control for mechanical designsMaintain design database and lessons learned repository.Ensure compliance with industry codes including ASME, AISC, AWS, and applicable standardsVendor & Supplier Management:Manage relationships with equipment vendors, fabrication contractors, and engineering consultants.Review vendor proposals, technical specifications, and cost estimates.Conduct technical evaluations and source selection for major equipment procurement.Oversee vendor design reviews, submittals, and technical documentation.Monitor vendor performance on quality, schedule, and technical compliance.Qualify new suppliers and maintain approved vendor lists.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner with I&C and Fluids Engineering teams to ensure integrated system designCollaborate with GSE Production on fabrication and installation planningCoordinate with internal customers to understand operational requirements and constraintsWork with GSE Leadership on integrated schedules, resource planning, and reportingInterface with Procurement on material specifications, long-lead items, and vendor selectionEngage with customers and stakeholders on technical requirements and design reviewsCommissioning & Operational Support:Support commissioning activities for new mechanical systems including mechanical proofing and functional testingProvide engineering support during system activation, checkout, and initial operations.Troubleshoot mechanical system issues during commissioning and operations.Conduct post-commissioning reviews and implement design improvements.Support test campaigns with engineering expertise and responsive troubleshooting supportStrategic Planning & Continuous Improvement:Develop long-term MGSE capability roadmaps aligned with Firefly's strategic objectivesIdentify technology gaps and develop plans to address capability needsBenchmark against industry best practices and drive adoption of advanced methodologiesLead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.Support business development with technical assessments and capability briefings.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering or Technical discipline5 years of experience in mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, oil and gas, defense, or similar industriesStrong background in structural analysis and design of steel structuresProficiency with CAD Software (NX or similar)Experience with FEA software (ANSYS or similar) for structural analysisUnderstanding of structural steel design per AISC specifications and AWS D1.1Experience managing and delivering complex technical projectsProven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources across a portfolio of projectsKnowledge of materials science including metallurgy, corrosion, and material selectionStrong problem solving skills and ability to make sound engineering judgementsUnderstanding of manufacturing processes including welding, maching, and fabricationAbility to work ain a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements and tight deadlinesFlexibility to support critical operations including extended hours and occasional travel.US Person status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or Asylee) due to ITAR/EAR requirementsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or similar technical field7-10 years of experience in Aerospace, Defense, Oil & Gas, or similar industriesDirect experience with aerospace launch or testProfessional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical EngineeringKnowledge of NASA-STD-5005Experience with AS9100 aerospace quality management systemsExperience with dynamic analysis including vibration, shock, and seismic designBackground in human-rated systems and fault-tolerant designExperience with odoo ERP or similar Enterprise systemsExperience with design evaluation for additive manufacturing and other advanced fabrication techniquesPrevious experience managing engineering teams in startup or high-growth environmentsFirefly 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.