Test Engineer I, Component (2nd Shift) 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

This is an entry-level position for engineers looking to get hands-on experience in spacecraft and launch vehicle testing. You will work on Firefly's Component, Structures, Engines or Stage Test Stands, partnering with engineers across programs including Alpha, A330/MLV, Blue Ghost and Elytra to test and validate hardware in pursuit of developing, qualifying and accepting flight components.

You will learn the fundamentals of operations at the Briggs test site, then apply these skills to put Firefly hardware into space. You are expected to be adaptive, responsive, field-based and hands-on in time-sensitive applications.

Your Responsibilities

• Integrate, instrument and test rocket and spacecraft components and assemblies using world-class test stands and test software suite
• Optimize and implement improvements in testing, component workflow, data review and automation
• Execute work daily on test stand operations
• Execute test plans and procedures on console, using voice comm systems and data display and control systems
• Work directly with vehicle and component engineers to develop and release formal test plans
• Develop test procedures to check out and operate launch vehicle systems, subsystems and individual components
• Participate in resolving 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 using numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results
• Diagnose and rework small to medium problems on stand involving fluids, 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 GSE engineers to optimize test and launch systems designs and operation
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for performance, reliability and cost
• Potentially travel to launch site for integrated vehicle operations, up to and including launch. Travel up to 40%.

Required Qualifications

• 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
• Experience with 3D and 2D CAD software
• 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 (max 25%)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with hydraulics, actuators and load cells
• Propulsion testing, preferably with cryogenics
• Launch vehicle testing or launch operations
• Understanding of fluid and combustion fundamentals
• Experience building, troubleshooting or operating fluid and electrical systems
• 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
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced 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

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.

Benefits

Firefly offers outstanding benefits including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet insurance, and flexible PTO options.