Test Engineer, IV Propulsion

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.

SUMMARYWe are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This role is for a hands-on test professional with proven expertise in liquid propulsion testing who can lead complex test campaigns and drive operational excellence in our hypergolic test programs.

As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine and other liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. You will leverage your experience with liquid rocket propulsion to plan and execute critical hotfire testing, lead anomaly resolution efforts, and mentor junior test personnel. Your expertise will directly impact mission success as we prepare our systems for lunar missions.

Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of our space industry. Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the lunar surface and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES Test Operations & Execution Lead the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems

Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and operational sequences for complex propulsion system testing

Serve as test conductor for critical test operations, managing console operations, data acquisition systems, and test team communications

Perform and oversee hands-on setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems, pressurization systems, and safety systems

Execute propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations in accordance with approved procedures

Technical Leadership & Analysis Analyze test data in real-time and post-test to verify system performance, identify anomalies, and validate test objectives using tools such as Python, Lab View, or similar

Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions

Collaborate with propulsion design engineers, systems engineers, and technicians to resolve technical issues and optimize test operations

Support design reviews and provide test operations input to hardware and facility design efforts

Develop and improve test infrastructure, instrumentation strategies, and operational capabilities

Safety & Documentation Ensure all test operations comply with safety protocols, hazard controls, and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations

Participate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviews

Maintain accurate test documentation, configuration control, and test records

Support development and review of facility procedures, work instructions, and safety documentation

Program Support Work directly with stakeholders of the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander program and other Firefly propulsion development efforts

Support test schedule development and resource planning…