Launch Engineer IV, Test and Launch Operations

United Statesmid

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Quick Summary

Overview

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.

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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. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

The Vehicle and Launch Operations team is hiring high-impact, dynamic engineers who thrive on solving problems in diverse environments. This role will lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of vehicle testing and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, including Wallops Flight Facility, Vandenberg Launch Site, and International Launch sites. A key focus will be integrating operations across subsystems and upstream processes to enable seamless execution from testing through launch. Responsibilities include authoring operational procedures, developing automation, performing console operations, and driving cross-functional improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and mission success.

Responsibilities

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Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
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Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations at Briggs Test Stands (TX), Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), and International Launch sites
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Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive upgrades, efficiencies, and establish standardized processes across launch sites
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Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve anomalies that arise during operations/testing, and lead root cause investigations
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Develop automation and operational software tools to support test and launch execution
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Author procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations
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Develop and author operational requirements
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Provide team and program execution planning
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Proposal and trade study support
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Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

Requirements

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Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
7+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments
Experience developing systems engineering artifacts (requirements, test verification evidence, FMECAs) and utilizing systems engineering tools
Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems
Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations

Desired

System-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controls
Experience with distributed control systems or custom data acquisition and control architecture
Experience with standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)
Prior experience at a federal launch range or rocket engine or vehicle test site
Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences, including executive audiences
Demonstrated project management experience
Experience developing budgets and schedules, etc.
Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, Git, etc.)

What We Offer

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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.