MGSE Engineering Manager - Space Ground Systems Lead

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Relocation assistance

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead MGSE engineering across test stands, launch sites, and production facilities. You will own mechanical design, supervise 15+ engineers, and ensure the reliability and performance of ground support equipment for space missions.

This role requires strong leadership, budget and schedule management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high‑quality hardware for critical programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field.
• 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) and FEA software (ANSYS or similar).
• Experience managing and delivering complex technical projects with budgets and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage MGSE engineering team of 15+ mechanical engineers, designers, and technical staff.
• Own mechanical design and engineering for MGSE systems including structures and handling equipment.
• Oversee multiple concurrent MGSE projects from concept through commissioning.
• Coordinate with Program and Project Managers to align deliverables with milestones.
• Review, approve, and champion design-for-manufacturability and maintainability.
• Provide engineering support during system activation, checkout, and operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Technical leadership

Vendor management

Budgeting

Scheduling

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 in Austin, Texas is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead MGSE engineering across test stands, launch sites, and production facilities. You will own mechanical design, supervise 15+ engineers, and ensure the reliability and performance of ground support equipment for space missions.

This role requires strong leadership, budget and schedule management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high‑quality hardware for critical programs.