Launch Engineer, Mechanical Systems

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, build, and activate mission-critical mechanical ground support equipment 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 structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, vehicle transport and handling equipment, tooling, and other mechanical GSE. 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 mechanical ground support equipment 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 mechanical system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad Support safe movement of launch vehicles and payload segments to the launch complex 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 activation, maintenance, and vehicle handling 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 Direct the work of Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members and support hiring efforts Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline 5+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex mechanical or structural systems Strong 3D CAD experience Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.) 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 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, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.) Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline 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.) #J-18808-Ljbffr Firefly Aerospace