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Propulsion Engineer I - Spacecraft Engine Team Verified today

Firefly Aerospace · Texas · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company developing 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

As a Propulsion Engineer in the Spectre Engine team, you will develop hypergol engines for the Blue Ghost program. You'll work across the project life cycle from design and analysis through manufacturing, testing, and operational support. You will collaborate with structures, fluid systems, and avionics teams to own projects and make critical decisions on leading-edge propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Responsible Engineer for in-space propulsion hardware including main and attitude control engines, valves, and propellant tanks.
  • Develop new design concepts for propulsion integration and operations that reduce complexity and maximize reliability within budget.
  • Assist in developing manufacturing, integration, and test processes including work instructions, test procedures, and build support.
  • Act as primary point of contact for design, analysis, and operations of spacecraft fluid systems.
  • Perform flight operations as primary operator for fluids and propulsion systems.
  • Own and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware.
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency and vehicle reliability.
  • Identify system risks and conduct trade studies to ensure successful vehicle operation.
  • Drive development of automation and test data analysis tools.

Required Qualifications

  • BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, and mechanics.
  • Experience in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD program.
  • Comprehension of design fundamentals including tolerancing, ASME Standards, ASTM, and GD&T.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of progressive experience in related engineering discipline.
  • Experience with storable liquid propulsion (NTO/MMH, Hydrazine).
  • Experience leading technical reviews (design and analysis) or investigations (risk, anomaly, or trade studies).
  • Hands-on experience integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test or production.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, flow meters, load cells, and accelerometers.
  • End-to-end ownership of technical projects from conception to delivery.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

U.S. Person Requirement

To conform to 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.