Launch Engineer-Fluids Systems IV

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond.

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. Design, commission, and operate mission-critical fluid systems across a growing portfolio of launch sites, from historical US-based pads to greenfield builds in extreme locations including Wallops Flight Facility and Esrange, Sweden. Take cradle-to-grave ownership of critical launch systems for cryogenic propellants, high-pressure gases, payload environmental control, and other ground support equipment.

You'll work with world-class design and operations teams to create adaptable designs that deploy reliably across wildly different site conditions and constraints. Expect your work to matter immediately: concepts become hardware, installations support live operations, and the systems you build enable the next launch.

RESPONSIBILITIES Design, build, and activate new fluid systems 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 design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel — to drive fluid system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites

Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the padLead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations

Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day red team activities

Write procedures and automation for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations

Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions

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

Guide the work of early career Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members and support hiring efforts

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

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline7+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware or test operations

Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid systems

Demonstrated experience with interpretation and design of P&IDs Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment

Ability to self-motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance

Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements

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

Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials

Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed)
Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.

Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710,…