Propulsion Engineer I (Spacecraft Engine Team)

Firefly Aerospace; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Propulsion Engineer II to lead in-space propulsion hardware from concept to testing. You will collaborate with structures, fluids, and avionics teams to design, analyze, and qualify propulsion systems for the Blue Ghost program.

The role requires BS in aerospace engineering and 3+ years of engine/fluids experience, with CAD tools like Siemens NX and GD&T knowledge. On-site work in Texas with strong cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with 3+ years in aerospace engine/fluids.
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics and mechanics.
• Experience with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD; GD&T/ASME/ASTM knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Act as Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware, engines, valves and tanks.
• Develop new propulsion integration concepts to improve reliability within budget.
• Support manufacturing, integration, testing with procedures and build support.
• Lead design reviews, risk analyses and trade studies.
• Own flight operations as primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems.
• Drive automation and data-analysis tools for testing.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Fluids & thermodynamics

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Design review & guidance

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace (desired)

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD tolerancing (GD&T)

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACEFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACEFirefly 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.About the RoleThe position of Propulsion Engineer II within the Spectre Engine team at Firefly involves leveraging creativity, ingenuity, and experience to develop hypergol engines for our Blue Ghost program. Engineers tackle complex challenges throughout the project life cycle, from design and analysis to manufacturing, testing, and operational support. Collaborating closely with other product groups, such as structures, fluid systems, and avionics, Propulsion Engineers take ownership of projects and make critical decisions. Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for solving challenging problems, the ability to synthesize information, and a determination to create leading-edge propulsion systems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.ResponsibilitiesServe as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.Develop new and innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budgetAssist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build supportAct as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systemsPerform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systemsOwn and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardwareExecute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliabilityIdentify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operationDrive development of automation and test data analysis toolsQualificationsRequiredBS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.3+ years of experience working on an aerospace engine or fluid systemStrong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanicsExperience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD programComprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&TAbility to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.Desired QualificationsMaster’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.5+ years of progressive experience in related engineering disciplineExperience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine)Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)Hands-on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or productionPrior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometersExperience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to deliveryStrong interpersonal and organizational skillsFirefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Primary Level Salary Range:Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.