Manufacturing Engineer, Machine Shop

firefly; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a manufacturing engineer to bridge the machine shop with engineering, improving process efficiency and manufacturability. You will drive design feedback, create work instructions, and ensure components move from CAD models to test-ready assemblies on schedule.

The role emphasizes hands-on manufacturing leadership, GD&T proficiency, and collaboration with design, quality, and tooling teams to optimize cost and lead times in Briggs, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years in a machine shop environment.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Pro-E, CATIA, Inventor, SolidWorks or NX.
• Advanced GD&T knowledge per ASME Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between machine shop and engineering teams.
• Provide feedback to engineers for cost- and time-efficient methods.
• Ensure on-time delivery of components from CAD to finished parts.
• Research new manufacturing methods and processes.
• Work with design to ensure manufacturability of components.
• Manage lookaheads for long-lead tasks.
• Improve processes and cycle times.
• Implement quick-changeover improvements.
• Own a set of hardware and related documentation.
• Create work instructions and identify issues with quality for corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Tooling and Programming for job readiness.
• Contribute to conceptual design and sourcing of work holding.

Skills

People skills

Problem solving

Engineering mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

5+ years machine shop experience

Tools

CAD software

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

As part of a small, fast-paced, and passionate team you will be the key to rocket component production. You will be responsible for driving design feedback and communication between engineers and manufacturing. Input provided by you can determine the success or failure of individual components and assemblies.

Location for this role is at our Manufacturing site in Briggs, TX, 25 minutes north of Cedar Park, TX.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as liaison between the machine shop and the engineering team.
• Provide feedback to responsible engineers and ensure the most time-efficient and cost-efficient method of producing components
• Ensure on time delivery of rocket components from CAD models to tangible components/assemblies ready for testing
• Research new manufacturing methods and production related processes
• Work with the design team to ensure manufacturability of the components
• Manage lookaheads for long lead tasks
• Improve processes and cycle times
• Implement quick changeover improvements
• Be fully accountable for a set of hardware
• Create work instructions
• Identify issues, work with quality to provide and execute corrective actions
• Work with Tooling and Programming to ensure job readiness
• Conceptual design and sourcing of work holding

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or 5+ years of experience working in a machine shop environment implementing the aforementioned responsibilities
• Experience with CAD software such as Pro-E, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or NX.
• Exceptional people interaction skills
• A passion for creating, building, and making things happen
• Advanced level of understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 Standards
• Ability to develop CAD models and create engineering drawings

DESIRED

• Direct experience with process development in:
  • Casting
  • Forging
  • Metallic 3D printing
  • Sheet metal
• Experience with budgetary and schedule planning
• Some CNC Programming experience
• Tooling expertise
• Experience programming CNC machines
• Experience setting up and running CNC machines
• Data analysis
• Capacity planning
• Startup experience
• Aerospace experience