Propulsion Engineer II/III - Alpha Engines

Firefly Aerospace•Briggs, TX

17d

About The Position

The Alpha Engines team designs, integrates, and operates the Reaver and Lightning engines that power the first and second stages of Firefly’s Alpha launch vehicle. As a Responsible Engineer, you will own engine hardware throughout its lifecycle, from requirements definition and design through analysis, development, testing, qualification, and flight. You will lead hardware design and analysis, collaborate with fabrication and integration teams on manufacturing and assembly, and support vehicle testing and launch operations. You will serve as a subject matter expert and contribute to engine development, test campaigns, and launch operations. The role calls for deep technical knowledge, ownership of hardware from concept to flight, and clear communication with cross-functional partners in propulsion, structures, avionics, and vehicle systems. The successful candidate is a self-starter who challenges assumptions, works effectively in a fast-paced development environment, and seeks to make impactful contributions to Firefly’s mission.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Level II: 3+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems. Level III: 7+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems.
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, especially fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and solid mechanics.
Demonstrated history of applying engineering first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions.
Proven experience with strong hardware ownership through multiple aspects of the product lifecycle.
Hands-on experience with hardware design, fabrication, and testing.
Experience with CAD and configuration management tools; Siemens NX and Teamcenter are preferred.
Comprehension of GD&T, tolerancing, and ASME Y14.5.
Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, GFSSP, or other control, data acquisition, and reduction software.
Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.
Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements.
U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, protected individual status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligibility to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
5+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems.
Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation.
Strong understanding of propulsion system and combustion device engineering fundamentals.
In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations and compatible material selection.
Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing.
Experience testing or operating complex engineering systems.
Experience with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers.
Experience optimizing hardware design for reliability, manufacturability, performance, cost, and simplicity.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate full ownership of launch vehicle engine hardware through the full product life cycle.
Lead the design and analysis of engine components and assemblies to meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and operability requirements.
Drive component and system analyses, including fluid, structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses.
Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to develop processes, work instructions, and test procedures.
Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware, including data analysis and reviews.
Develop tools for design, analysis, and test-data review.
Author and present design review, test readiness, launch readiness, and data review presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
Identify system-level risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions based on technical merit, risk, cost, schedule, and quality to ensure successful engine and vehicle operation.
Represent propulsion hardware during engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations.