Propulsion Chief Engineer

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of 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

As the Propulsion Chief Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, development, integration, and launch of propulsion and fluid systems for our space missions. You will be responsible for overseeing the technical strategy, execution, and delivery of these systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. We are seeking a candidate who not only possesses the technical skills and expertise for the role but also exhibits an undeniable passion for the work they do and the ability to inspire and motivate others around them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development of propulsion and fluid systems, ensuring alignment with the company's goals and objectives
• Serve as a technical mentor across all Propulsion teams including analysis, components, propulsion systems, and engines (Reaver, Lightning, Spectre, and Miranda)
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including GNC, structures, avionics, and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization of propulsion and fluid systems
• Oversee the selection, design, evaluation, and testing of propulsion system components and subsystems (turbomachinery, valves, injectors, …)
• Conduct comprehensive analysis, simulations, and testing to validate and optimize the performance and reliability of propulsion and fluid systems
• Manage technical risks, identify potential issues, and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful system development and mission outcomes
• Work closely with the Systems and engineering teams to manage propulsion engine and system changes as part of the engineering change board
• Address non conformances within the department as the lead UAI authority for propulsion and fluid flight systems.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 10 years of experience in the design, development, and integration of propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace applications
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex propulsion and fluid system projects, from concept to flight qualification
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
• Deep knowledge and expertise in propulsion system design principles, fluid dynamics, combustion processes, and thermal management for space applications
• Excitement in propulsion

Desired

• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a high-performing technical team
• In-depth knowledge of fluid dynamics principles and their application to propulsion system design, including the understanding of fluid flow, combustion processes, and heat transfer.
• Proficiency in conducting thermal analysis and optimization of propulsion systems to ensure reliable performance and safety.
• Familiarity with engineering software and tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and simulation software used in propulsion design and testing.
• Understanding of materials selection and manufacturing processes relevant to propulsion system components to ensure reliability and performance

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, 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.