Propulsion Engineer II/III: Engine Hardware Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Responsible Engineer for the Alpha Engines team to own engine hardware across its lifecycle, from requirements to flight. You will lead the design and analysis of engine components, and collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, and vehicle systems to ensure reliable propulsion for the Alpha launch vehicle.

You will drive fluid, thermal, and structural analyses, develop test procedures, and present readiness reviews to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline required.
• Level II: 3+ years of experience; Level III: 7+ years of experience in propulsion systems.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and solid mechanics.
• Proven hardware ownership through multiple product lifecycle stages.
• Hands-on hardware design, fabrication, and testing experience.
• Experience with CAD and configuration management tools (NX/Teamcenter).
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, GFSSP, or similar data acquisition software.

Responsibilities

• Own engine hardware through full lifecycle from concept to flight.
• Lead design and analysis of engine components to meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Drive fluid, structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses of components and systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration to develop processes and test procedures.
• Plan and execute development, qualification, and acceptance tests of flight hardware; analyze data.
• Present design reviews, test readiness, and launch readiness to stakeholders.
• Identify risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions on tech merit, cost, schedule, and quality.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Engine hardware ownership

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Solid mechanics

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

CAD

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Responsible Engineer for the Alpha Engines team to own engine hardware across its lifecycle, from requirements to flight. You will lead the design and analysis of engine components, and collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, and vehicle systems to ensure reliable propulsion for the Alpha launch vehicle.

You will drive fluid, thermal, and structural analyses, develop test procedures, and present readiness reviews to internal and external stakeholders.