Composites Manufacturing Engineer II-Alternate Shift Option

Firefly Aerospace•Briggs, TX

19d

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to join its Structures Department. The engineer will help develop the world’s largest liquid-fueled all-composite rocket and implement full-rate production across current vehicles and programs. The role includes developing tooling and fixtures for development and production programs, improving and optimizing manufacturing processes, developing new processes, and providing technical expertise to enhance production capabilities. The position calls for a strong engineering background, practical problem-solving experience, and the ability to learn quickly. The engineer will lead tooling, fixture, and production-equipment development for aerospace composite components; own hardware development and production processes; support manufacturing-floor operations; and work with design, manufacturing, and quality teams. They will create standardized work instructions, resolve nonconformances, oversee manufacturing programs against quality, cost, and schedule requirements, and promote continuous improvement, including Lean and Six Sigma practices. The position also includes mentoring less experienced engineers. The posting lists two positions and gives the schedules as Monday–Friday, second shift (3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.), and Saturday–Wednesday. Firefly offers health, dental, and vision plans, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short-term disability, and flexible PTO options. Due to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
At least 5 years of experience in carbon-fiber composite aerospace manufacturing.
Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly become an expert on complex hardware.
Proficiency with CAD software for tooling and fixturing design.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated record of driving process improvements and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
High initiative and self-motivation, and ability to thrive in a dynamic, challenging work environment.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, in accordance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of experience in an aerospace manufacturing or engineering environment with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a similar field.
Master’s degree.
Automated Fiber Placement experience.
Quick-turn custom composite tooling design and fabrication experience.
Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of tooling, fixtures, and production equipment for manufacturing aerospace composite components, selecting materials and processes that meet aerospace standards.
Evaluate and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures to increase efficiency, quality, cost-effectiveness, production capacity, and cycle-time performance.
Take ownership of hardware development and production processes, ensure adherence to schedules, and drive continuous improvement.
Develop and implement tooling and fixturing solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Serve as the primary point of contact for part expertise, understanding hardware details and guiding its fabrication.
Support manufacturing-floor operations by engaging with production teams, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing changes.
Create work instructions and procedures to standardize manufacturing processes and ensure consistent product quality.
Resolve nonconformance issues by assessing root causes and implementing corrective actions to bring parts into compliance.
Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate work into the production process.
Manage manufacturing programs to meet quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
Identify production challenges and implement solutions to support timely delivery of high-quality aerospace components.
Implement and maintain quality-control measures that meet industry standards and customer expectations.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and participate in cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product integrity.
Promote continuous improvement and Lean and Six Sigma principles throughout manufacturing.
Mentor less experienced engineers.