Principal Propulsion Engineer (Liquid Engines)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate full ownership of launch vehicle engine system hardware from concept to flight
• Serve as the propulsion representative for Alpha engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations
• Author and lead test readiness, launch readiness, and data review presentations
• Continuously build and iterate on tools to optimize efficiency, performance, and predictability of Alpha operations
• Lead development of innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within program constraints.
• Author and present detailed design review presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware, including data analysis and reviews
• Identify system-level risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions to ensure successful vehicle operation
• Develop and maintain automation tools and test data analysis capabilities
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to develop processes, work instructions, and test procedures, and provide direct build support

Required

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field
• 10+ years of experience developing launch vehicle or spacecraft propulsion systems
• In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations
• Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing (such as valves, regulators, piping systems, pumps, etc.)
• Experience in working with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
• Experience reducing the complexity of large integrated assemblies to reduce part count, cost, and lead time
• Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation
• Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.