Launch Engineer, Operations II

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing.

Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY: 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES 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 support integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad as an on-console operator

Support troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and lead anomaly investigations

Contribute to 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

Participate in 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

Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needsQUALIFICATIONSRequired

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline2+ 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 executing 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

Desired

Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline

Foundational 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 and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)Experience with standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC)
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment

Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences

Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate…