Range Coordinator - Vandenberg

ABOUT FIREFLY

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

SUMMARY

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented leader to manage critical launch integration operations at our Vandenberg SFB site. This dual-role position combines Payload Processing Facility (PPF) leadership with Range Coordination responsibilities to ensure the seamless execution of Firefly’s Alpha launch missions.

In this role, you will serve as the linchpin between payload customers, internal engineering teams, and government stakeholders, responsible for both the planning and execution of spacecraft processing in our cleanroom facility and the coordination of range operations with external agencies. You will directly oversee satellite fueling, integration, and monitoring operations, while concurrently managing range scheduling, approvals, and flight safety requirements in collaboration with Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD-30), the FAA, US Coast Guard, and other federal entities.

Your ability to anticipate and align customer needs with facility readiness, regulatory constraints, and range availability will be key to mission success. This position requires a systems-level mindset and strong leadership across cross-functional teams including Launch Vehicle, GSE, Avionics, IT, Safety, Facilities, and Mission Management. You will lead planning efforts, represent Firefly in high-stakes coordination meetings, and support real-time launch operations and post-flight reviews.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead project management and operations of the Payload Processing Facility (PPF), including coordination of satellite fueling, storage, and cleanroom logistics
• Coordinate scheduling and use of the PPF across internal and external payload customers
• Interface with spacecraft customers to define and document mission-specific facility requirements
• Ensure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations governing the PPF, including US Space Force directives
• Serve as Firefly’s Range Coordinator, managing communication with SLD-30, FAA, USCG, and other federal entities
• Coordinate airspace and maritime clearance activities in support of Alpha launch operations
• Coordinate and support launch vehicle and ground systems RF and Telemetry testing to verify asset integrity in support of the launch campaign
• Plan and schedule all mission-specific activities at the launch site, including range assets, support team travel, and logistics
• Draft, coordinate, and submit documentation for launch and processing site operations
• Track implementation of mission requirements and maintain records of associated documentation
• Coordinate post-flight data collection and mission review documentation
• Support integration of customer requirements into launch site systems, processes, and ground operations
• Interface with outside stakeholders including NASA, other commercial space entities, and regulatory agencies

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in a technical, project management, or aerospace operations role
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organizational abilities, including the ability to manage timelines, logistics, and cross-functional communication
• Proven ability to synthesize technical requirements and convert them into executable plans
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in technical and collaborative settings
• Proficiency with MS Office suite (Excel, Project, Visio)

Desired:

• Experience in space launch operations, satellite processing, or cleanroom management
• Project or program management certification (e.g., PMP)
• Familiarity with launch range operations and…