Director, Propulsion Engineering

About the Role

The Propulsion Director provides technical and organizational leadership for the design, development, test, qualification, and operation of propulsion systems across Firefly’s launch vehicles and spacecraft. This role is accountable for multiple engine and fluid system programs spanning early architecture trades through flight operations.

As a vertically integrated company with co‑located design, fabrication, and test facilities, Firefly expects the Propulsion Director to be deeply engaged in hardware development while setting a clear technical vision and execution strategy. The successful candidate balances hands‑on technical depth with people leadership, thrives in a fast‑paced development environment, and drives a culture of rigorous testing, ownership, and continuous improvement.

The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, vehicle fluid systems, valve design, and propulsion analysis teams.

• Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of all propulsion and fluid systems programs across launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Lead, develop, and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and professional growth
• Maintain ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture trades through qualification, flight, and operations
• Serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems, supporting major design reviews, test readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness activities
• Collaborate closely with discipline chief engineers, vehicle chief engineers, and cross‑functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, quality, and test
• Drive propulsion system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design practices and data‑driven decision making
• Ensure robust risk identification, mitigation, and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback
• Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines, with an emphasis on learning‑oriented testing
• Contribute directly to new engine and propulsion technology development, providing technical insight and guidance where needed
• Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and compliance with applicable industry and government requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs
• Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbo machinery, thermodynamics, and thermal systems as well as a demonstrated ability to apply these first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions
• Demonstrated experience owning hardware from early concept through testing, qualification, and operation
• Hands‑on experience driving performance, reliability, or design‑for‑manufacturability initiatives
• Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems
• Working knowledge of relevant aerospace standards and requirements (e.g., SMC‑S‑016, SMC‑S‑025)
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components (such as machining, inspection, assembly, testing, etc.)
• Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis with such components
• Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent propulsion programs to internal and external stakeholders

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field
• Extensive experience…