Test Engineer, IV Propulsion

Firefly Aerospace; Bertram (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; 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 in Briggs, TX seeks an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. You will plan and execute hotfire tests, analyze data in real time, and resolve anomalies while mentoring junior engineers.

This hands-on role requires deep propulsion knowledge, strong safety discipline, and collaboration with design and systems teams to ensure mission

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations and data analysis.
• Experience leading or conducting liquid propulsion hotfire tests.
• Strong understanding of propellant feed, pressurization, and ignition systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for Spectre and related propulsion systems.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and sequences for complex propulsion testing.
• Serve as test conductor, manage data acquisition, and coordinate test team communications.
• Perform setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment and propellant transfer systems.
• Analyze test data in real-time and post-test to verify performance and root-cause anomalies.

Skills

Liquid propulsion test operations

Test planning

Data analysis

Python

LabView

Anomaly investigations

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Aerospace Engineering

BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Data Acquisition Systems

Instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, thrust)

P&IDs

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACEFirefly 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.SUMMARYWe are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This role is for a hands-on test professional with proven expertise in liquid propulsion testing who can lead complex test campaigns and drive operational excellence in our hypergolic test programs.As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine and other liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. You will leverage your experience with liquid rocket propulsion to plan and execute critical hotfire testing, lead anomaly resolution efforts, and mentor junior test personnel. Your expertise will directly impact mission success as we prepare our systems for lunar missions.Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of our space industry. Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the lunar surface and beyond.RESPONSIBILITIESTest Operations & ExecutionLead the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systemsDevelop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and operational sequences for complex propulsion system testingServe as test conductor for critical test operations, managing console operations, data acquisition systems, and test team communicationsPerform and oversee hands-on setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems, pressurization systems, and safety systemsExecute propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations in accordance with approved proceduresTechnical Leadership & AnalysisAnalyze test data in real-time and post-test to verify system performance, identify anomalies, and validate test objectives using tools such as Python, LabView, or similarLead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actionsCollaborate with propulsion design engineers, systems engineers, and technicians to resolve technical issues and optimize test operationsSupport design reviews and provide test operations input to hardware and facility design effortsDevelop and improve test infrastructure, instrumentation strategies, and operational capabilitiesSafety & DocumentationEnsure all test operations comply with safety protocols, hazard controls, and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operationsParticipate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviewsMaintain accurate test documentation, configuration control, and test recordsSupport development and review of facility procedures, work instructions, and safety documentationProgram SupportWork directly with stakeholders of the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander program and other Firefly propulsion development effortsSupport test schedule development and resource planning for propulsion test campaignsProvide technical mentorship and training to junior test engineers and techniciansQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplineMinimum 5 plus years of hands-on experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations, including test planning, execution, and data analysisDemonstrated experience leading or conducting liquid propulsion hotfire tests (engine, thruster, or integrated vehicle)Strong understanding of liquid propulsion systems including propellant feed systems, pressurization systems, ignition systems, and propellant chemistryProficiency with fluid systems including valves, regulators, pressure vessels, propellant transfer systems, and leak detection methodsExperience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, thrust), and sensor calibrationAbility to read and interpret P&IDs, control schematics, and engineering drawings for complex fluid systemsDemonstrated experience with test data analysis and reportingStrong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex systems under pressureExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPrimary Level Salary Range: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.