Launch Operations Manager, VSFB

Firefly Aerospace•Vandenberg AFB, CA

1d•$145,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is hiring a technical manager to lead propulsion, fluids, electrical, and mechanical engineers at Vandenberg Space Force Base, SLC-2. The role combines personnel and technical leadership with responsibility for operating, upgrading, and maintaining launch pad systems. The manager supports system readiness and performance for launch campaigns, leads troubleshooting and maintenance strategies, and works with design teams, customers, external stakeholders, and site personnel. The position involves launch-site field testing and may include launch console operations or launch-day closeout activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience with fluids systems, pneumatic systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, tooling, flight hardware, or test operations.
At least 2 years of experience managing personnel.
Experience designing, building, troubleshooting, and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems in an operational or project environment.
Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation, including drawings, P&ID schematics, and test data.
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Ability to self-motivate and take initiative to ensure systems are functional and operating at peak performance.
Ability to lead by example and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
Comfort working in launch-site environments involving field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials.
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, to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years running console operations for integrated vehicle and pad operations.
Familiarity with version control systems such as SVN or Bitbucket.
Prior launch vehicle operations experience at test or launch facilities.
Working knowledge of data-viewing tools such as Python, LabView, or Matlab.
Experience in launch vehicle development and/or operations.
Experience supporting U.S. Government and commercial launch proposals.
Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and RCC 319/324.

Responsibilities

Lead operation, maintenance, and testing of launch pad fluids, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Facilitate hiring, training, and onboarding for the launch operations engineering team.
Guide design reviews and collaborate with design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel on system upgrades, operational improvements, and launch-campaign readiness and performance.
Support launch pad and flight vehicle system integrity testing to validate system health, performance, and readiness for launch campaigns.
Lead troubleshooting, resolve operational and testing issues and non-conformances, and support anomaly investigations.
Perform launch console operations or launch-day closeout team activities.
Write procedures for system operation, maintenance, and vehicle testing operations.
Develop and execute maintenance strategies to maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.
Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
Prepare technical write-ups for system upgrade proposals or regulatory tailoring.