MGSE Engineering Manager, Ground Systems

Firefly Aerospace; Town of Texas, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Education & relocation reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager for Ground Systems (MGSE). You will lead 15+ engineers, directing mechanical design, testing, and integration of ground support equipment for launch operations.

You will drive risk assessment, trade studies, and program coordination across multiple projects. You will manage budgets, schedules, and vendor interactions, ensuring robust, safe, and maintainable hardware for high-velocity space missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering or Technical discipline.
• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or similar industries.
• Strong background in structural analysis and design of steel structures.
• Proficiency with CAD Software (NX or similar) and FEA software (ANSYS or similar).
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources across projects.
• US Person status or eligibility due to ITAR/EAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead MGSE engineering team of 15+ mechanical engineers, designers, and staff.
• Set team goals, coach, mentor, and conduct performance reviews.
• Oversee mechanical design for MGSE systems including structures and handling equipment.
• Manage multiple concurrent MGSE projects from concept to handover.
• Coordinate with program managers to align deliverables with milestones.
• Review designs, calculations, drawings, and specifications; approve technical releases.
• Support commissioning and operational readiness of ground systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Collaborate with safety, quality, procurement, and external vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strong problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (preferred)

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager for Ground Systems (MGSE). You will lead 15+ engineers, directing mechanical design, testing, and integration of ground support equipment for launch operations.

You will drive risk assessment, trade studies, and program coordination across multiple projects. You will manage budgets, schedules, and vendor interactions, ensuring robust, safe, and maintainable hardware for high-velocity space missions.