Launch Engineer, Operations IV

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, this position can be located in CO, CA, TX, FL, or VA.

About the role

The Launch Site Development team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. Lead the development and execution of mission-critical test and launch operations across a growing portfolio of launch sites, from historical US-based pads to greenfield builds, including Wallops Flight Facility and Esrange, Sweden. Take ownership of the integrated operations layer that ties every subsystem together. Write the procedures, build the automation, sit on console, and drive the cross-functional decisions that get vehicles off the pad safely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated test and launch operations across a global launch portfolio including Vandenberg Space Force Base (CA), Wallops Flight Facility (VA), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (FL), and Esrange Space Center (Sweden)
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams - including GSE design engineers, vehicle engineers, software teams, technicians, and external partners - to drive ground-system upgrades, streamline operations, and establish standardized processes across all launch sites
• Commission ground systems and lead integrated vehicle/ground operations at the pad as an on-console operator
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and lead anomaly investigations
• Own the development of automation sequences and operational software tools to support test and launch execution
• Write procedures for launch pad configuration, vehicle operations, and propellant/pressurant handling during countdown operations
• Lead development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
• Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements
• Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations
• Direct the work of Operations team members and support hiring efforts
• Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in test operations, launch operations, or similar high-consequence operational environments (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear, defense)
• On-console experience in real-time operations
• Experience developing automation sequences and procedures for hazardous, time-critical, or mission-critical systems
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) with demonstrated application to operational tooling, data analysis, or automation
• Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials
• Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations

Desired

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline
• System-level understanding of launch vehicle and ground subsystems, including fluid systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and software/controls
• Experience with distributed control systems, SCADA platforms, or custom data acquisition and control architectures
• Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
• 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 (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC)
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
• Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.
• Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, Git, etc.)
• Ability to obtain security clearance

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.

Benefits

• Generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement
• Short term disability
• Flexible PTO options