Engine Test 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. As part of our mission to develop cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a skilled Engine Test Engineer to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the success of our next-generation propulsion systems. This position is located at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX north of Austin, TX.

SUMMARY

This position is for the engineer looking to gain expertise into the development, qualification, and flight testing of FireFly's suite of rocket engines. This position provides a unique opportunity to test multiple engine configurations across two of Firefly's cutting edge test stands. In the position, you will support active hotfire operations daily, while taking ownership of the development of test campaigns, test stand functionality, and resolution of complex issues as they arise. You will work hand-in-hand with technicians, propulsion engineers, and other leaders across the company in the development of engines that support all programs at Firefly Aerospace (Alpha, A330/MLV, Blue Ghost and Elytra). The test team not only supports testing, but also launch operations at Firefly's SLC-2W Launch Site. As we develop new launch sites across the nation and internationally, there will be unique opportunities to leverage your skills to continue to take on new and challenging endeavors.

Engineers on this team are expected to develop and modify the required infrastructure, mechanical, electrical and software systems to support these tests. Engineers are expected to be fast on their feet, adaptive and responsive to challenges. They are expected to be in the field, working in hands on and time sensitive applications. Operations Engineers are expected to be self-sufficient, driven and highly motivated engineers up for learning new skills and taking on challenges to excel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrate, instrument and test rocket engines using our world class test stands and test software suite
• Optimize and implement improvements in testing, component workflow, data review and automation
• Work daily test stand operations
  • Execute test plans and procedures on console, using voice comm systems and data display and control systems
  • Work directly with propulsion engineers to develop and release formal Test Plans
  • Develop test procedures to check out and operate rocket engines, subsystems and individual components
  • Participate in resolving any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations, and support failure and anomaly investigations, troubleshooting and resolution development
  • Analyze and review data to ensure that test stand and test article are operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results
  • Improve test efficiency through automation and equipment improvement upgrades
  • Diagnose & Rework small to medium problems on stand involving Fluid, Electrical and Mechanical systems
• Plan and implement improvements to the test stand and testing process
  • Develop new and improve automated scripts that support test operations
  • Develop and execute system validations, activations, upgrades and other tests required to ensure your stand is ready to support testing
  • Work with Ground Support Equipment (GSE) engineers to optimize test and launch systems designs and operation
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities for performance, reliability, and cost

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• BS in Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Works well in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment
• Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
• Basic understand of bipropellant propulsion systems
• Experience with 3D and 2D CAD software
• Hand's on experience working with fluid and electrical components such as valves, regulators, pumps, and low voltage systems.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and to be on your feet all day when required
• Ability to work on test stands and use standard mechanical and electrical tools
• Willingness to travel to support launch operations in California, Virginia, and Beyond. (Max, 20%)

Desired

• Direct experience with propulsion testing, launch vehicle testing, or launch operations in either a public, commercial, or academic environment
• Familiarity with
  • Instrumentation and instrumentation deployment methods
  • Data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools
  • Data analysis and processing up to and including custom code development and implementation
• Experience using data analysis tools and numerical methods to solve real world problems. i.e. Python
• Experience automating data processing and report generation
• Independent, driven and able to develop solutions with minimal guidance and oversight
• Ability to perform computations for fluid systems (e.g., pressure drop, valve timing, etc.) for liquids, cryogenic liquids, and gases
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, including GD&T and P&IDs
• Independent, driven and able to develop solutions with minimal guidance and oversight
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment

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