Propulsion Engineer II (Spacecraft Engine Team)

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, Texas, seeks a Propulsion Engineer II to develop hypergol engines for the Blue Ghost program. You will design, analyze, and support propulsion hardware from concept to flight, collaborating with structures, fluids, and avionics teams.

The role emphasizes ownership of projects, rigorous problem solving, and advancing leading-edge propulsion in a fast-paced environment. On-site position with strong growth potential.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Experience with aerospace engines or fluid systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware and tanks.
• Develop design concepts for propulsion integration and reliability within budget.
• Assist in manufacturing, test processes, and build support.
• Lead design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems.
• Perform flight operations as primary operator for fluids and propulsion.
• Own development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware.
• Drive manufacturability changes to improve production efficiency.
• Identify risks and conduct trade studies for vehicle operation.
• Develop automation and test data analysis tools.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Fluids

Thermodynamics

Mechanics

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace (desired)

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD (general)

GD&T

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly 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 Aerospace

Firefly 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 The Role

The 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve 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 budget
• Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build support
• Act as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems
• Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems
• Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability
• Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation
• Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools

Qualifications

Required

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience working on an aerospace engine or fluid system
• Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics
• Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program
• Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in related engineering discipline
• Experience 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 production
• Prior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
• Experience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

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.