Principal Propulsion Engineer - Launch Vehicle Engines Verified today

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company building reliable launch, landing, and 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 to achieve a successful Moon landing.

The Role

The Alpha Engines team designs, integrates, and operates the Reaver and Lightning engines. As Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will own engine hardware across the full lifecycle: requirements definition, design, analysis, development, test, and qualification. You will lead CAD design and analysis, collaborate with fabrication and integration teams to build and assemble systems, and support vehicle testing and launch operations. You must combine deep technical knowledge with ownership mentality, self-starter drive, and clear communication across structures, propulsion, avionics, and vehicle systems.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate full ownership of launch vehicle engine system hardware from concept to flight
• Serve as propulsion representative for Alpha engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations
• Author and lead test readiness, launch readiness, and data review presentations
• Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware, including data analysis and reviews
• Lead development of innovative design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability
• Author and present detailed design review presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Identify system-level risks, perform trade studies, and drive decisions to ensure successful vehicle operation
• Develop and maintain automation tools and test data analysis capabilities
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to develop processes, work instructions, and test procedures
• Continuously build and iterate tools to optimize efficiency, performance, and predictability of Alpha operations

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems
• Experience testing or operating complex engineering systems
• Thorough understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
• Deep knowledge of engineering fundamentals and demonstrated history of applying first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills
• Hands-on experience with hardware design, fabrication, and testing
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components (machining, inspection, assembly, testing)
• Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation, and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis
• Experience developing and formalizing procedures for complex, multistep, high-impact operations
• Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field
• 10+ years of experience developing launch vehicle propulsion systems
• In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations
• Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing (valves, regulators, piping systems, pumps)
• Experience with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers
• Experience reducing complexity of large integrated assemblies to reduce part count, cost, and lead time
• Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation

What We Offer

Generous health, dental and vision plans with low deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

Eligibility

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.