Propulsion Integration and Test RE II/III (Miranda Engine)

Firefly Aerospace; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced propulsion integration and test professional to define engine configurations and lead test campaigns. You will collaborate with design, manufacturing, vehicle integration, and test operations to drive propulsion performance and manufacturability improvements.

A strong background in liquid rocket propulsion and data analysis is essential. The role requires 3+ years in propulsion or related fields, CAD experience, and the ability to mentor engineers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required.
• 3+ years in propulsion or fluid systems with testing experience.
• Experience leading technical reviews or investigations.
• Proficient in data review, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with CAD and production-oriented design changes.
• Strong fundamentals in flow, heat transfer, and propulsion cycles.
• Experience with liquid rocket engine development and testing.
• Hands-on with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Define engine configurations and support integration/test operations.
• Design and execute test plans for development and flight campaigns.
• Analyze engine test data and report performance against objectives.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and lead technical activities.
• Develop manufacturability improvements and test processes.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and production teams for engine enhancements.

Skills

Propulsion knowledge

Data analysis

Test planning and execution

Leadership and mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Material and manufacturing concepts

Communication and presentation

Problem solving under uncertainty

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Python

LabVIEW

GFSSP

Winplot

Job description

Propulsion Integration and Test RE (Miranda Engine)

Firefly 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, vehicle integration, production, and test operations teams to define engine configurations and support engine integration and test operations
• Design and execute test plans supporting development, qualification, and flight engine test campaigns
• Compile, interpret, and report on engine test data and evaluate performance relative to campaign and program objectives
• Serve as a mentor for the existing propulsion engineers, providing technical guidance and leadership
• Assist in developing new, innovative design concepts for propulsion components and experimental tooling, that reduce part count and complexity
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Make development decisions based on technical merit, risk, cost, schedule, and/or quality assurance
• Assist in the development of manufacturing, integration, and test processes, including work instructions, test procedures, and early build support
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation liquid rocket engines

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in a related aerospace or mechanical field, with a focus in propulsion or fluid systems
• Experience leading technical reviews (design & analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies)
• Proven experience in data review, data analysis, and report generation
• Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program
• Understanding of bipropellant liquid rocket fundamentals and ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to maximize engine performance
• Strong engineering fundamentals in compressible and incompressible flow, heat transfer, combustion devices, rocket engine cycles, and mechanics
• Understanding of P&IDs, fluid system sizing, fluid component and instrumentation selection, fluid dynamics fundamentals, cryogenic systems and pressurized systems
• Experience with maturing a conceptual design for use in a production environment
• History of developing solutions with partially defined requirements and changing criteria
• MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Familiarity with presenting trade studies, risks, schedules, requirements, and budget to program management or leadership
• Experience with liquid rocket engine development, design, test, or flight operations
• Experience with liquid rocket engine subcomponent or pressurized component (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.) development, design, or test
• A passion for product optimization design and rapid manufacturing
• Hands‑on experience with integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production
• Proven experience in working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
• Familiarity with some or all of the following software packages: Python, LabVIEW, GFSSP, Winplot, or other control, data acquisition, and reduction software

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.