Test Technician I (Spacecraft)

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Spacecraft Test Technician I for our Briggs, TX facility to perform hands-on testing of liquid propulsion systems, including the Spectre engine, under engineer supervision. You will assist with hardware prep, test setup, equipment operation, and system maintenance to advance lunar mission readiness.

The role requires readiness for flexible hours and keen attention to safety and quality, with opportunities to develop expertise in hypergolic propulsion testing and

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in aerospace R&D or related fields.
• Fluids systems knowledge with pressurized testing and leak checks.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and manuals.
• Strong problem solving in a team environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours for engine testing.

Responsibilities

• Support hotfire test integration, instrumentation, and execution for Spectre and related propulsion systems.
• Set up, checkout, and operate ground support equipment for propellant transfer, pressurization, and safety systems.
• Assist engineers during propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing.
• Review and provide feedback on work instructions for complex mechanical systems.
• Clean and passivate hardware using solvents, chemicals, and precision methods.
• Deburr, edge break, and polish aerospace fittings and components.
• Maintain shop equipment Logs and calibrations for pumps, tanks, and filtration systems.
• Follow safety protocols and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations.
• Support readiness activities and safety reviews; participate in continuous improvement.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Read engineering drawings

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

OSHA HAZWOPER certification

Tools

Ground support equipment

Instrumentation experience

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

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

SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated Spacecraft Test Technician I to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs TX This is a hands on technical role for someone passionate about building their career in aerospace propulsion testing and working directly with liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program As a Test Technician you will work alongside experienced engineers and technicians performing critical test operations for the Spectre engine and other liquid propulsion systems You will be responsible for hands on hardware preparation test setup equipment operation and system maintenance while developing your expertise with hypergolic propulsion testing Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of the space industry Spectre is an engine that you will have a direct hands on responsibility to enable our return to the lunar surface and beyond

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the integration instrumentation and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems
• Execute hands on setup checkout and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems pressurization systems and safety systems
• Assist engineers during propellant loading engine conditioning ignition sequences and safing operations in accordance with approved procedures
• Follow review and provide feedback on work instructions for complex mechanical systems and installations
• Clean and passivate hardware using means such as solventchemical mechanical ultrasonic and precision cleaning methods
• Perform manual deburring edge breaking and polishing on machined aerospace fittings and components
• Perform shop level maintenance and calibration of equipment such as pumps tanks filtration systems scales etc
• Follow all safety protocols hazard controls and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations
• Maintain accurate equipment logs and maintenance records
• Support and participate in operational readiness activities and safety reviews
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts for test procedures facility capabilities and operational efficiency

QUALIFICATIONS

• 0 2 years of experience or equivalent in aerospace aircraft R&D or related industrial fields
• Working knowledge of fluid systems including pressurized testing and leak check procedures
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals
• A demonstrated high level of problem solving skills working in a team environment
• Lift and carry 50 lbs for limited durations
• A willingness to work flexible hours to meet the demands of spacecraft engine testing
• Familiarity with pressurized system safety
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment

Desired

• Associate degree or technical certification in a relevant field Aerospace Technology Mechanical Technology Manufacturing etc
• Experience with engine related hardware in an aerospace environment
• OSHA HAZWOPER certification or experience working with hazardous materials
• Working knowledge of a variety of tubefluid applications including GN2 GHe Hydraulics
• Familiarity with hypergolic engine test and decontamination procedures
• Experience cleaning systems to aerospace standards
• Hands on experience with instrumentation pressure temperature flow sensors
• Experience with precision measurement tools and equipment calibration

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 US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US 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 originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status