Launch Engineer, Operations II

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is hiring a Launch Engineer, Operations II for its Launch Site Development team. The role develops and executes mission-critical test and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, including established U.S. sites and greenfield builds. The engineer connects vehicle and ground subsystems, writes operational procedures, develops automation, operates on console, and helps drive cross-functional decisions that support safe vehicle operations. The position works with teams across fluids, propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and ground systems. It includes commissioning ground systems, supporting integrated vehicle and ground operations at the pad, troubleshooting and investigating anomalies, and collaborating with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams. Travel to test and launch sites of up to 25% is required, along with willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations. Applicants must meet U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 2 years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or a similar high-consequence operational environment, such as oil and gas, nuclear, or defense.
On-console experience in real-time operations.
Experience executing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems.
Proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Python or MATLAB, with demonstrated application to operational tooling, data analysis, or automation.
Comfort working in launch-site environments involving field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials.
Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations to comply with export regulations.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Foundational understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controls.
Experience with distributed control systems, SCADA platforms, or custom data acquisition and control architectures.
Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools such as FMEA, FMECA, FHA, or HAZOP.
Experience with standards and regulations such as ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, or GSFC-STD-8009.
Prior experience at a federal launch range, such as VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, or PSC.
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, communicating with senior leaders, and developing budgets and schedules.
Familiarity with Atlassian products such as Confluence and Jira, and version control systems such as SVN, Bitbucket, or Git.
Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations across launch sites including Vandenberg Space Force Base, Wallops Flight Facility, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Esrange Space Center.
Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to drive ground-system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across launch sites.
Commission ground systems and support integrated vehicle and ground operations at the pad as an on-console operator.
Support troubleshooting, resolve issues and non-conformances during operations and testing, and lead anomaly investigations.
Contribute to automation sequences and operational software tools for test and launch execution.
Write procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant and pressurant handling during countdown operations.
Participate in developing company processes, guidelines, and training for test and launch operations.
Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
Travel up to 25% to test and launch sites to support program needs.