Launch Engineer IV, Test and Launch Operations

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 Vehicle and Launch Operations team is hiring high-impact, dynamic engineers who thrive on solving problems in diverse environments. This role will lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of vehicle testing and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, including Wallops Flight Facility, Vandenberg Launch Site, and International Launch sites. A key focus will be integrating operations across subsystems and upstream processes to enable seamless execution from testing through launch.

Responsibilities include authoring operational procedures, developing automation, performing console operations, and driving cross-functional improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations

Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations at Briggs Test Stands (TX), Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), and International Launch sites

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive upgrades, efficiencies, and establish standardized processes across launch sites

Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve anomalies that arise during operations/testing, and lead root cause investigations

Develop automation and operational software tools to support test and launch execution

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

Develop and author operational requirements

Provide team and program execution planning

Proposal and trade study support

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 discipline7+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments

Experience developing systems engineering artifacts (requirements, test verification evidence, FMECAs) and utilizing systems engineering tools

Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems

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

Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment

Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations

Desired

System-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controls

Experience with distributed control systems or custom data acquisition and control architecture

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 or rocket engine or vehicle test site Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical…