Composites Manufacturing Engineer III

About the role

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. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Manufacturing Engineer to join our Structures Department. As part of a small, fast-paced, and passionate team you will be instrumental in developing the world’s largest liquid fueled composite rocket and implementing full-rate production on our current vehicle and programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of tooling, fixtures, and production equipment necessary for the manufacturing of aerospace composite components.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement improvements to increase production capacity and reduce cycle times.
• Take ownership of hardware development and production processes, ensuring adherence to schedules and driving continuous improvements.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions for tooling and fixturing to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all aspects related to part expertise, including understanding intricacies of the hardware and providing guidance on its fabrication.
• Support manufacturing floor operations by actively engaging with production teams to identify areas for improvement and to implement necessary changes.
• Create detailed work instructions and procedures to standardize manufacturing processes and ensure consistency in product quality.
• Lead the resolution of nonconformance issues by assessing root causes and implementing corrective actions to bring parts back into compliance.
• Demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to addressing challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality, to ensure the seamless integration into the production process.
• Manage and oversee manufacturing programs, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Identify and address production challenges, implementing effective solutions to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality aerospace components.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and participate in cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product integrity.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, driving Lean and Six Sigma principles throughout the manufacturing process.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related Engineering field, 10 years’ experience in carbon fiber composite aerospace manufacturing, strong technical aptitude, proficiency in CAD software, excellent communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Desired: 5+ years working in a aerospace manufacturing or engineering environment, Master's degree, Automated Fiber Placement experience, Quick-turn custom composite tooling design and fabrication, Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing Black Belt certification.

Benefits

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational/relocation reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.