Propulsion Engineer (Spectre)

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role involves developing cutting-edge hypergol engines and working on complex challenges throughout the project life cycle. You will collaborate with various engineering disciplines, ensuring the successful design, analysis, and operational support of propulsion systems. If you're passionate about space technology and eager to tackle engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and making a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

Educational Reimbursement

Short Term Disability

Flexible PTO

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics required.
• Experience with CAD software and technical project ownership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative design concepts for propulsion integration.
• Own and execute testing of flight hardware and systems.

Skills

Engineering Fundamentals

Fluid Dynamics

Thermodynamics

Mechanics

Technical Guidance

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD Software

Data Acquisition Systems

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of 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 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

1. Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.
2. Develop new and innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budget.
3. Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, development testing, and initial build support.
4. Act as the primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems.
5. Perform flight operations as a primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems.
6. Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware.
7. Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability.
8. Identify system risks and conduct corresponding trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation.
9. Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools.

Qualifications

Required

1. BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
2. Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics.
3. Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program.
4. Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T.
5. Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.

Desired Qualifications

1. Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
2. 2+ years of experience in related engineering discipline.
3. Experience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine).
4. Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies).
5. Hands-on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production.
6. Prior experience working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers.
7. Experience with end to end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery.
8. 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, 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.