Senior Propulsion Engineer - Launch Vehicle Hardware

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Relocation benefits

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Responsible Engineer for the Alpha Engines team to own engine hardware across its lifecycle, from requirements to flight. You will lead design and analysis of propulsion components, coordinate with fabrication and test teams, and support launch operations.

The role demands deep technical knowledge, proactive ownership, and clear communication with propulsion, structures, avionics, and vehicle systems. A fast-paced setting offers impactful career growth.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• Level II: 3+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems. Level III: 7+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals especially fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and solid mechanics.
• Demonstrated history of applying engineering first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions.
• Proven experience with strong hardware ownership through multiple aspects of the product lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience with hardware design, fabrication, and testing.
• Experience with CAD and configuration management tools (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred), and comprehension of GD&T, tolerancing, and ASME Y14.5.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, GFSSP, or other control, data acquisition, and reduction software.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate full ownership of launch vehicle engine hardware through the full product life cycle.
• Lead the design and analysis of engine components and assemblies to meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and operability requirements.
• Drive component and system analyses including fluid, structural, thermal, and dynamic.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to develop processes, work instructions, and test procedures.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware, including data analysis and reviews.
• Develop tools for design, analysis, and test data review.
• Author and present design review, test readiness, launch readiness, and data review presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify system-level risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions based on technical merit, risk, cost, schedule, and quality to ensure successful engine and vehicle operation.
• Serve as the propulsion representative for your hardware during engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Solid mechanics

Engineering first principles

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

GD&T

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

CAD

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Responsible Engineer for the Alpha Engines team to own engine hardware across its lifecycle, from requirements to flight. You will lead design and analysis of propulsion components, coordinate with fabrication and test teams, and support launch operations.

The role demands deep technical knowledge, proactive ownership, and clear communication with propulsion, structures, avionics, and vehicle systems. A fast-paced setting offers impactful career growth.