Launch Engineer - Operations

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. As part of our mission to develop cutting‑edge technology, we are seeking a skilled Engine Test Engineer to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the success of our next‑generation propulsion systems.

The position can be located in the following states CO, CA, TX, FL, VA.

The Launch Site Development team is hiring for high‑impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. Lead the development and execution of mission‑critical test and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, from historical US‑based pads to greenfield builds, including Wallops Flight Facility and Esrange, Sweden. Take ownership of the integrated operations layer that ties every subsystem together.

Write the procedures, build the automation, sit on console, and drive the cross‑functional decisions that get vehicles off the pad safely. You'll work across every ground and vehicle subsystem, serving as the connective tissue between fluids, propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and ground systems teams.

• Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations across a global launch portfolio including Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (FL), and Esrange Space Center (Sweden)
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams - including GSE design engineers, vehicle engineers, software teams, technicians, and external partners - to drive ground‑system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites
• Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad as an on‑console operator
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non‑conformances that arise during operations/testing, and lead anomaly investigations
• Own the development of automation sequences and operational software tools to support test and launch execution
• Write procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations
• Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
• Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements
• Provide technical write‑ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations
• Direct the work of Operations team members and support hiring efforts
• Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high‑consequence operational environments (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear, defense)
• On‑console experience in real‑time operations
• Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time‑critical, or mission‑critical systems
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) with demonstrated application to operational tooling, data analysis, or automation
• Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials
• Willingness to support off‑hour shifts during launch operations

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
• System‑level 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…