Test Engineer, Propulsion IV Verified today

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company launching, landing, and operating 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

Join our test operations team at our Briggs, TX facility as an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer. You will take ownership of test operations for Spectre propulsion engine and other liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. Your expertise in liquid rocket propulsion will directly impact mission success as you plan and execute critical hotfire testing, lead anomaly resolution, and mentor junior test personnel.

Test Operations and Execution

• Lead integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems
• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and operational sequences for complex propulsion system testing
• Serve as test conductor for critical test operations, managing console operations, data acquisition systems, and test team communications
• Perform and oversee setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems, pressurization systems, and safety systems
• Execute propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations in accordance with approved procedures

Technical Leadership and Analysis

• Analyze test data in real-time and post-test to verify system performance, identify anomalies, and validate test objectives using tools such as Python, LabView, or similar
• Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions
• Collaborate with propulsion design engineers, systems engineers, and technicians to resolve technical issues and optimize test operations
• Support design reviews and provide test operations input to hardware and facility design efforts
• Develop and improve test infrastructure, instrumentation strategies, and operational capabilities

Safety and Documentation

• Ensure all test operations comply with safety protocols, hazard controls, and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations
• Participate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviews
• Maintain accurate test documentation, configuration control, and test records
• Support development and review of facility procedures, work instructions, and safety documentation

Program Support

• Work directly with stakeholders of the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander program and other Firefly propulsion development efforts
• Support test schedule development and resource planning for propulsion test campaigns
• Provide technical mentorship and training to junior test engineers and technicians

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 plus years of hands-on experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations, including test planning, execution, and data analysis
• Demonstrated experience leading or conducting liquid propulsion hotfire tests (engine, thruster, or integrated vehicle)
• Strong understanding of liquid propulsion systems including propellant feed systems, pressurization systems, ignition systems, and propellant chemistry
• Proficiency with fluid systems including valves, regulators, pressure vessels, propellant transfer systems, and leak detection methods
• Experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, thrust), and sensor calibration
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control schematics, and engineering drawings for complex fluid systems
• Demonstrated experience with test data analysis and reporting
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex systems under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

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

U.S. Person Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.