Mechanical Engineer III (Propulsion Valves)

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. SUMMARYAt Firefly, we believe that building a reliable and inexpensive launch vehicle requires the most reliable, production efficient valves available. On the propulsion components team, we design, build, test, and qualify high-performance, precision fluid components tailored to the specific needs of our Alpha launch vehicle, Eclipse launch vehicle, Blue Ghost lunar landers, and Elytra spacecraft. Our team of responsible engineers own their products for the entire product lifecycle; from initial conception through qualification and handoff to the production team.RESPONSIBILITIESDemonstrate extreme ownership of hardwareConceptualize, design, develop and deliver propulsion components to high performance systemsResponsible for entire development lifecycle and production support as the technical expert.Own a combination of Firefly developed and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTs) valves, regulators and actuatorsPrepare content for and lead CoDRs, MRR, PDRs, TRRs, data reviews and CDRsAuthor and execute qualification, and acceptance test plans with hands on hardware problem solvingWork to standardize solutions across programs and product linesImprove mission cadence by identifying and implementing cost saving and risk reduction measuresLead cross-functional teams of analysts, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supply chain representatives, and test engineers to deliver tested hardware on timeResolve non-conformances and implement design changes to improve product yield and manufacturabilityWork with the program teams to develop hardware upgrades in alignment with ambitious performance and cost goalsDevelop simulation-based design methods and validate using subscale and full-scale testingLead failure investigations to determine root cause and implement mitigationsQualify existing and new product lines following guidance from SMC-S-016 and S-080 as applicableManage multiple projects and competing prioritiesQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline8+ years of experience in a valve or fluid system design-related role.Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, structural analysis, materials, and processes.Strong understanding of fluid systems aspects such as fluids systems sizing, valve design and operation, instrumentation, flexible element design & integration and fluid fittingsSkilled in creating analytical/numerical models of engineering devices and processes.Ability to successfully manage complex projects.Works well in a collaborative, fast paced, multidisciplinary environment.Demonstrated interest in advancing 'newspace'.Self-motivated with minimum direction required.Ability to creatively develop economical solutions.DesiredServed as a Responsible, Manufacturing or Test engineer for an aerospace development project in a fluids related subsystem.Component test experience.Proficient with GD&TProficient with DFMProficient with FEA and/or CFD analysisKnowledge of high-pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systemsExperience with valve and regulator designExperience with liquid oxygen or other cryogenic operationsExperience modeling fluid networksExperience with rapid development techniques for hardwareFirefly 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 statusDepartment: Propulsion Engineering Location: Cedar park, TX