Launch Engineer III – Fluid Systems

Summary

Firefly fluids engineers on the Launch Team leverage their creative background and expertise to help develop innovative solutions for the application of space systems technology. As an engineer responsible for development of new ground systems at Firefly’s launch sites in Wallops, Esrange and Cape Canaveral, you will work with a multi-disciplinary collaborative team through all stages of fluids system design, installation, maintenance, and operations.

This includes identifying upgrades, preliminary and detailed design, system sizing, and installation support. You will have ownership of one or more of the following systems:
Liquid/Gaseous Nitrogen, Helium, Liquid Oxygen, RP-1, payload environmental control systems (ECS), and other systems as required.

• Design and implement new fluid ground systems at current and future launch sites, including Vandenberg Space Force Base, Wallops Flight Facility, Esrange Space Center, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Collaborate with design engineers, technicians, and vendors to drive system upgrades and improve system functionality, operations, and automation
• Lead and support internal design reviews and operations readiness reviews and represent Firefly during external design reviews
• Develop and upgrade launch site equipment, systems, and procedures and partner with local and remote staff to ensure standard design processes across the company
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations
• Responsible for the safe movement of launch vehicle and payload segment to the launch pad
• Responsible for ground system checkouts and vehicle operations at the launch pad
• Write and execute procedures to configure the launch pad mechanical and fluids systems for launch operations and system testing
• Write and execute preventative maintenance procedures to ensure mechanical and fluid systems are ready launch operations
• Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day red team activities
• Support development of company processes, guidelines, and training in test and launch operations
• Team with test site and launch site responsible engineers to optimize launch system designs and operations
• Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements
• Support site activation and test operations
• Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations
• Direct the work of Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members and support hiring efforts
• Requires up to 25% travel to test and launch sites to support overall program needs

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware or test operations
• Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid systems
• Familiarity with interpretation and design of P&IDs
• Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast‑paced environment
• Ability to self‑motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance
• Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements
• Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials
• Willingness to support off‑hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed)
• Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.
• Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, NFPA, NEC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA‑STD‑5005, GSFC‑STD‑8009, etc.)
• Ability to obtain a security clearance

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or…