Spacecraft Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer III Verified today

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly 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. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly was the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing.

The Role

The Firefly Spacecraft Propulsion Manufacturing team is responsible for the fabrication, integration, test, and delivery of engines and fluid systems to spacecraft programs. You will be a maker, taking ideas on paper and turning them into fully functioning components ready to fly to space. This role is located at Firefly's spacecraft manufacturing and test site in Cedar Park, TX.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of products from development to production
• Own end-to-end fabrication, assembly, and test procedures for spacecraft propulsion subassemblies
• Create assembly instructions and work with technician teams to implement and qualify new processes
• Drive process development and improvement to increase production rate and reduce cost
• Lead investigations of process failures through root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to design teams
• Develop and execute functional checkout procedures and processes
• Disposition non-conformances and develop corrective actions
• Conduct manufacturability reviews and implement design improvements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineer role
• Proven experience with complex assemblies in aerospace, aviation, or automotive industries
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and assembly instructions
• Proven experience with complex troubleshooting
• Experience working in dynamic, fast-paced environments with short deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Proven attention to detail and ability to maintain mental concentration on complex tasks
• Critical thinking and strong decision-making ability
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure systems (gas or liquid)
• Working knowledge of common fluid components (valves, regulators, instrumentation)
• Knowledge of data analysis packages (Python, Excel, SQL)
• Experience with PLM systems (Teamcenter, Odoo, or similar)

Desired Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in in-space propulsion manufacturing
• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques (welding, brazing, casting, additive fabrication, forging, spin forming)
• Experience writing assembly procedures for mechanical, electrical, or structural systems
• Experience writing test plans, procedures, and pass/fail criteria for systems
• Knowledge of modern manufacturing principles (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma)
• Complex system assembly and hands-on build experience in space systems or aerospace
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibrational, shock)

Export Control Requirements

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.