MGSE Engineering Manager, Ground Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability and flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the MGSE engineering team and own the mechanical systems for ground support. You will direct design, analysis, testing, and integration across test stands and launch sites, delivering robust solutions for high‑value missions.

You will manage budgets, schedules, and cross‑functional programs while guiding a team of engineers through critical design reviews and mission‑level trade studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering.
• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, oil and gas, defense, or similar industries.
• Strong background in structural analysis and design of steel structures.
• Proficiency with CAD Software (NX or similar).
• Experience with FEA software (ANSYS or similar) for structural analysis.
• Understanding of structural steel design per AISC specifications and AWS D1.1.
• Experience managing and delivering complex technical projects.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources across a portfolio of projects.
• Knowledge of materials science including metallurgy, corrosion, and material selection.
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to make sound engineering judgements.

Responsibilities

• Lead MGSE engineering team of 15+ mechanical engineers, designers, and staff.
• Oversee multiple MGSE projects from concept through commissioning and handover.
• Review mechanical designs, calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, AISC, AWS, and applicable standards.
• Coordinate with Procurement on material specifications and long-lead items.
• Support commissioning and operations, troubleshooting as needed.
• Develop long-term MGSE capability roadmaps aligned with Firefly's goals.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS FEA

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the MGSE engineering team and own the mechanical systems for ground support. You will direct design, analysis, testing, and integration across test stands and launch sites, delivering robust solutions for high‑value missions.

You will manage budgets, schedules, and cross‑functional programs while guiding a team of engineers through critical design reviews and mission‑level trade studies.