Test Engineer II, Vehicle Stages

Firefly Aerospace•Briggs, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Test Engineer II to support vehicle-stage testing and launch operations. The role involves setting up and performing tests on aerospace components such as valves, mechanisms, and COPVs; developing procedures and automated sequences; operating test systems; and ensuring test stands are validated, maintained, and ready for testing. The engineer will analyze test data, troubleshoot operational issues, support investigations, collaborate with test- and launch-site engineers, and identify improvements to system performance, reliability, and cost. The position may require travel to support launch operations in California, up to 25%.

Requirements

MS or BS in engineering or a related engineering discipline.
At least 3 years of hands-on experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Experience building, troubleshooting, or operating fluid systems.
Experience with cryogenic systems.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with 3D and 2D CAD software.
Ability to lift 30 pounds and be on your feet all day when required.
Ability to work on test stands and use standard mechanical and electrical tools.
Willingness to travel to support launch operations in California, up to 25%.
U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, protected-individual status under 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.

Nice To Haves

Ability to read and understand technical drawings, including GD&T and P&IDs.
Experience generating test plans.
Experience with ASME B31.3.
Experience as a Ground Controller or Vehicle Controller supporting launch-vehicle operations.
Experience with high-pressure compressible-gas systems.
Knowledge of liquid-fueled launch-vehicle subsystems.
Knowledge of rocket-engine testing fundamentals.
Ability to perform fluid-system computations, such as pressure drop and valve timing, for liquids, cryogenic liquids, and gases.
Ability to work independently, develop solutions, and require minimal guidance and oversight.
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with instrumentation and instrumentation-deployment methods.
Familiarity with data acquisition, control methods, and data-analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Set up and perform tests on small valves, mechanisms, COPVs, and other aerospace components.
Develop test procedures to check out and operate launch-vehicle systems and subsystems.
Develop autonomous sequencing for test-stand automation.
Execute test plans and procedures from the console using voice communication systems and data display and control systems.
Develop and execute system validations, activations, upgrades, and other tests needed to ensure the test stand is ready for testing.
Manage test-stand scheduling for operations and maintenance downtime.
Participate in resolving operational issues and non-conformances, and support failure and anomaly investigations, troubleshooting, and resolution development.
Design and develop automated scripts that support test and launch operations.
Work with test-site and launch-site responsible engineers to optimize test- and launch-system designs and operations.
Identify continuous-improvement opportunities for performance, reliability, and cost.
Ensure operations are performed on time, safely, and professionally.
Analyze and review data using numerical data-analysis tools to determine whether hardware is operating as expected.