Launch Engineer 1 (Mechanical Systems)

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

SUMMARY

The Launch team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. We are looking for an entry level mechanical engineer to join the launch pad team, serving as a specialist for the umbilical and hydraulic systems. This position will be a focal for these systems in all aspects of operation, maintenance and sustainment, validating and executing the performance of these systems during launch operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will have a concentrated focus on the launch pad hydraulic systems used for the vehicle support strongback and the hold down release system. Serve as the engineering focal for these systems during launch campaigns to validate system readiness and performance. Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams — including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel — to drive mechanical system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns. Support safe movement of launch vehicles and payload segments at the launch complex including hoisting via crane and installation of the launch vehicle into the launch pad support structure. Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools to validate designs and provide engineering dispositions for in-service hardware. Lead 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 for system testing, operation, maintenance, and vehicle handling operations. Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions. Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements. Provide technical write-ups for continuous improvement projects and proposals aimed at increasing system efficiency and operation within tailoring of regulations. Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad mechanical systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline. 0 - 2 years of hands‑on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations Internship or project experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex mechanical or structural systems Working knowledge of hydraulic systems design, operation and maintenance. Knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly practices Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast‑paced environment Ability to self‑motivate and take 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, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA‑STD‑5005, GSFC‑STD‑8009, etc.) Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data. Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.) Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP, Siemens NX Nastran) and ability to verify results with hand calculations Demonstrated experience designing, operating, and maintaining hydromechanical systems, including hydraulic power units, cylinders, pumps, and valves Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA‑STD‑5005, GSFC‑STD‑8009, etc.) Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC) Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.) Ability to obtain a security clearance Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet Insurance, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Firefly Aerospace