Launch Engineer IV, Test and Launch Operations

Firefly Aerospace•Briggs, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace’s Vehicle and Launch Operations team is hiring an engineer to lead development, execution, and continuous improvement of vehicle testing and launch operations across launch sites, including Wallops Flight Facility, Vandenberg Launch Site, and international sites. The role focuses on integrating operations across subsystems and upstream processes to support seamless execution from testing through launch. Work includes authoring operational procedures, developing automation, performing console operations, and driving cross-functional improvements to operational efficiency, reliability, and mission success. The position requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites and willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 7 years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments.
Experience developing systems engineering artifacts, including requirements, test verification evidence, and FMECAs, and using systems engineering tools.
Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems.
Comfort working in launch site environments involving field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials.
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations.

Nice To Haves

System-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software or controls.
Experience with distributed control systems or custom data acquisition and control architecture.
Experience with standards and regulations such as ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, and GSFC-STD-8009.
Prior experience at a federal launch range or rocket engine or vehicle test site.
Ability to clearly and concisely convey complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, including executives.
Demonstrated project management experience.
Experience developing budgets and schedules.
Familiarity with Atlassian products such as Confluence and Jira, and version control systems such as SVN, Bitbucket, and Git.

Responsibilities

Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations.
Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations at Briggs Test Stands in Texas, Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, and international launch sites.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive upgrades and efficiencies and establish standardized processes across launch sites.
Lead troubleshooting, resolve operational and testing anomalies, and lead root cause investigations.
Develop automation and operational software tools to support test and launch execution.
Author procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant and pressurant handling during countdown operations.
Develop and author operational requirements.
Provide team and program execution planning.
Support proposals and trade studies.
Travel up to 25% to test and launch sites to support program needs.