Test Operations Technician IV

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision plans

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas, seeks a Test Technician to join the hands-on team responsible for testing flight and ground support hardware, installing instrumentation, and validating electrical systems. You will work with engineers to develop procedures and fabricate test fixtures to meet stringent mission requirements.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace or related fields, strong instrumentation skills, and a safety-first mindset.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in aerospace, manufacturing, military or automotive environments.
• Experience with RTDs, thermocouples, load cells, pressure transducers, or similar instrumentation.
• Experience with test instrumentation setup, wiring, and measurement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Execute and oversee rigorous testing of flight and ground support hardware, including instrumentation installation, leak checks, and electrical validation.
• Collaborate with engineering and leadership to develop and refine test and installation procedures for test articles.
• Assist in design, fabrication, and assembly of test harnessing, fixtures, stands, and equipment per specs.
• Develop instrumentation training for cross-training of team members.
• Perform precise assembly of flight systems following docs, CAD models, and work instructions.
• Improve safety and efficiency through audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide on-site technical support at launch pad for flight hardware readiness.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and verify launch pad configurations.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Electrical testing

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in engineering (electrical or mechanical)

IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 certification

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Soldering tools

Confluence

JIRA

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.

Summary Join a dynamic, hands‑on team where you’ll be at the heart of testing launch vehicles, components, and supporting launch day operations at the launch pad. Here, your work isn’t just a job; it’s a direct line to shaping the future of space exploration. You'll be integral to manufacturing, instrumenting, and testing mission-critical hardware that drives Firefly’s ability to launch, land and orbit! Your dedication and precision will ensure safe, repeatable spaceflight. As a Test Technician, you’ll work side by side with engineers on high‑stakes test operations, standing up flight hardware on test stands and fixtures that push the very limits of science. This is where raw materials become spaceflight and individuals become Fireflies.

Responsibilities

• Execute and oversee rigorous testing of flight and ground support hardware, including installation of instrumentation, proofing, leak checks, and electrical component validation.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and technician leadership teams to develop, document, and refine comprehensive test and instrumentation installation and check‑out procedures for an array of test articles.
• Assist in the design, fabrication, and assembly of test harnessing, fixtures, stands, and specialized equipment to meet testing specifications and requirements.
• Develop specialized instrumentation training for cross‑training of Test Technician team members.
• Perform precision assembly of complex flight systems, following technical documentation, CAD models, and work instructions.
• Enhance safety and operational efficiency through regular audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver technical support at the launch pad, encompassing the preparation, testing, and validation of flight hardware and support systems to ensure they are operationally ready.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot and address issues, conduct final inspections, verify the launch pad configuration, and ensure all systems meet safety standards for a successful launch.

Qualifications

• Required Minimum 5 years of experience working in an aerospace, manufacturing, military or automotive environment.
• Expertise with any of the following instrumentation: Resistance Temperature Devices (RTDs), strain gages, thermocouples, load cells, displacement transducers or pressure transducers.
• Training and/or experience in basic operation of an oscilloscope & multimeter, soldering wires & connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, ohm’s law, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing & tie wrapping cables.
• High attention to detail.
• The ability to self‑start, bringing clarity to uncertain situations, building trust, fostering positive and professional relationships, and supporting an inclusive culture.
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended period of times and work in a test stand environment.
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Ability to travel 15% of the time to support launch operations.
• Desired Associate degree in an engineering electrical or mechanical field.
• IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 Certification.
• A&P license.
• Experience in aviation avionics and common instrumentation.
• Experience with testing process and optimization of test processes.
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication.
• Possesses a strong safety mindset with hands‑on experience in planning and executing hazardous or critical operations.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Confluence, JIRA, and photo generation/compilation.
• Experience with crane and lift operations.
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok.
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings.
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing).
• Overhead crane and rigging experience.

Benefits

• generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• parental leave
• relocation benefits
• educational reimbursement
• short term disability
• flexible PTO options

Eligibility

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.

EEO Statement

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.

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.