Launch Engineer, Operations

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACEFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space. The position can be located in the following states CO, CA, TX, FL, VA.SUMMARYThe Launch Site Development team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. Lead the development and execution of mission-critical test and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, from historical US-based pads to greenfield builds, including Wallops Flight Facility and Esrange, Sweden. Take ownership of the integrated operations layer that ties every subsystem together. Write the procedures, build the automation, sit on console, and drive the cross-functional decisions that get vehicles off the pad safely. You'll work across every ground and vehicle subsystem, serving as the connective tissue between fluids, propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and ground systems teams.RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and execute integrated test and launch operations 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 GSE design engineers, vehicle engineers, software teams, technicians, and external partners - to drive ground-system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sitesCommission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad as an on-console operatorLead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and lead anomaly investigationsOwn the development of automation sequences and operational software tools to support test and launch executionWrite procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operationsLead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operationsCollaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirementsProvide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulationsDirect the work of Operations team members and support hiring effortsRequires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needsQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline5+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear, defense)On-console experience in real-time operationsExperience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systemsProficiency in at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) with demonstrated application to operational tooling, data analysis, or automationComfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materialsWillingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operationsDesiredMaster's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering disciplineSystem-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controlsExperience with distributed control systems, SCADA platforms, or custom data acquisition and control architecturesExperience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)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 (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC)Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environmentAbility to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiencesDemonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, Git, etc.)Ability to obtain security clearanceFirefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Department: Launch Site Development Location: Cedar park, TX