Mission Execution Lead – Spacecraft Programs

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Manager, Spacecraft Mission Execution to lead a team of Mission Managers responsible for the technical and programmatic execution of customer missions across our spacecraft programs, including lunar landers and orbital vehicles.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure mission success from formulation through launch and operations. Strong program management and systems engineering background required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field.
• 12+ years in aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicles, payload integration, systems engineering, integration & test, mission operations.
• Experience leading spacecraft missions across the lifecycle—formulation to flight operations.
• Leading and developing technical personnel, coaching and performance management.
• Senior interface with NASA, DoD, government, and commercial customers.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, requirements and interface management, verification, and test.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Mission Managers for customer mission execution across Firefly spacecraft programs.
• Provide technical leadership and escalation support to Mission Managers on complex missions.
• Assign managers to programs based on complexity, workload, and development needs.
• Maintain accountability for milestones, technical deliverables, and mission objectives.
• Guide mission reviews and ensure effective risk management and decision making.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, ATLO, operations, supply chain, and contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Spacecraft missions

Program management

Systems engineering

Customer engagement

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Master's degree in aerospace engineering (preferred)

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Manager, Spacecraft Mission Execution to lead a team of Mission Managers responsible for the technical and programmatic execution of customer missions across our spacecraft programs, including lunar landers and orbital vehicles.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure mission success from formulation through launch and operations. Strong program management and systems engineering background required.