DoD SkillBridge Program – Propulsion/Engine Technician

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. (Production and Test Site is in Briggs, TX, North of Cedar Park)

The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

For Service members, SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience.

SUMMARY

Firefly Propulsion Technicians build all engine hardware and turbopumps, starting with simple metal parts and delivering complete engine assemblies. Firefly’s propulsion build facility is a few feet away from the engine and valve test facilities, allowing quick feedback on our build quality and performance. This unique environment lends to an exciting day where a propulsion tech may build an engine in the morning, watch it tested in the afternoon, then disassemble it the next morning for evaluation. Firefly’s propulsion team is building and learning at a rapid pace and we are eager to see how experienced individuals thrive in this type of environment. This position is located north of Cedar Park, in Briggs, TX.

Full training is provided. If you have a passion for learning, strong attention to detail, and the idea of building rockets excites you - then we encourage you to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform all the steps in making aerospace grade composite parts, including but not limited to:

• Assembly of engines, turbomachinery, and component hardware
• Perform leak checks and AVI checkouts on all hardware
• Disassemble and inspect tested engines, providing engineering insight on their hardware health
• Develop complex work instructions to improve build quality and ensure consistency
• Provide engineering desired changes to improve build quality and efficiency
• Inspect peer builds (two-person concept)
• Assist with development of support tooling
• Consistently improve daily operations
• Safely operate high pressure pneumatic, cryogenic, and fuel systems
• Communicate effectively with engineers and teammates
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a HS diploma and a minimum of 2 or more years of direct experience demonstrated mechanical aptitude, attention to detail
• Proficient use of Pneumatic tools, hand tools, Power tools, and Precision measurement instruments
• Shop organization and cleanliness
• Use of personal protective equipment
• Proven experience with complex assemblies, e.g. production in aviation/automotive, Oil Rig maintenance/assembly
• Proven experience with complex troubleshooting
• Understanding of LOx and Helium system / component cleanliness requirements
• Hands-on operations with both large as well as small, fragile assemblies
• Comfortable working within an evolving process
• Flexibility regarding workflow and process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey methodologies for assembly and troubleshooting
• Two or more years of experience in one or more of the following fields.
  • Rocket engines, turbomachinery, or complex component assembly
  • Troubleshooting/Repairing/Testing of pneumatic and/or cryogenic valves, fluid systems, actuators, or components.
  • Civilian/Military aircraft engine experience

FIREFLY AEROSPACE DOD SKILLBRIDGE CRITERIA

• Must be a current Active Duty Servicemember
• Must be separating from the Military in 4-12 months
• Must be able to complete a minimum of 8 weeks and up to a maximum of 6 months SkillBridge internship
• Must be able to complete 40 hours per week
• Willingness to learn from others on the job
• Will receive an honorable discharge
• Has taken any service TAPS/TGPS
• Has attended or participated in an ethics brief within the last 12 months
• Received Unit Commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) written authorization and approval to participate in DoD SkillBridge Program prior to start of internship.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a military transitional program that does not provide compensation through Firefly Aerospace. If selected for full-time employment with Firefly Aerospace upon completion of SkillBridge you will be eligible for: base salary rate commensurate with experience. Additional benefits include options such as our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Medical/Dental/Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Domestic Partners Coverage and a full complement of personal and professional benefits.

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.