Vehicle Stages Test Engineer II

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

generous health, dental and vision

parental leave

relocation benefits

educational reimbursement

short term disability

flexible PTO options

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced test engineer to support liquid rocket propulsion test operations and data analysis. You will develop test procedures, execute plans on test stands, and contribute to automated sequencing and system validations.

The role requires 3+ years in propulsion testing, fluency with CAD tools, and travel up to 25% to support California launch ops. We offer strong benefits and growth opportunities in a fast-paced space environment.

Qualifications

• Required MS, or BS in Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3 plus years of hands-on experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Experience building, troubleshooting or operating fluid systems.
• Experience with Cryogenic systems.
• Works well in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with 3D and 2D CAD software.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and to be on your feet all day when required.
• Ability to work on test stands and use standard mechanical and electrical tools.
• Willingness to travel to support launch operations in California. (Max, 25%)
• Desired Ability to read and understand technical drawings, including GD&T and P&IDs
• Experience with test plan generation
• Experience with ASME B31.3
• Experience as a Ground Controller or Vehicle Controller supporting Launch Vehicle operations
• Experience with high pressure compressible gas systems
• Knowledgeable with liquid fueled launch vehicle subsystems
• Knowledgeable with Rocket Engine testing fundamentals
• Ability to perform computations for fluid systems (e.g., pressure drop, valve timing, etc.) for liquids, cryogenic liquids, and gases
• Independent, driven and able to develop solutions with minimal guidance and oversight
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with instrumentation and instrumentation deployment methods
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform tests on a wide range of small valves, mechanisms, COPVs, and other Aerospace components
• Develop test procedures to check out and operate launch vehicle systems and subsystems
• Develop Autonomous sequencing for test stand automation
• Execute test plans and procedures on console, using voice comm systems and data display and control systems
• Develop and execute system validations, activations, upgrades and other tests required to ensure your stand is ready to support testing
• Manage test stand scheduling for operations and maintenance down time
• Participate in resolving any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations, and support failure and anomaly investigations, troubleshooting and resolution development
• Design and develop automated scripts that support test and launch operations
• Work with test site and launch site responsible engineers to optimize test and launch systems designs and operation
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for performance, reliability, and cost
• Ensure all operations are performed on time, safely and in a professional manner
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results

Skills

Rocket propulsion testing

Test planning

Data analysis

CAD software

Electrical/mechanical tooling

Travel readiness

Education

MS or BS in Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Data acquisition systems

Cryogenic systems

ASME B31.3

Job description

Firefly Aerospace in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced test engineer to support liquid rocket propulsion test operations and data analysis. You will develop test procedures, execute plans on test stands, and contribute to automated sequencing and system validations.

The role requires 3+ years in propulsion testing, fluency with CAD tools, and travel up to 25% to support California launch ops. We offer strong benefits and growth opportunities in a fast-paced space environment.