Test Engineer, IV Propulsion

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space. SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This role is for a hands-on test professional with proven expertise in liquid propulsion testing who can lead complex test campaigns and drive operational excellence in our hypergolic test programs. As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine and other liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. You will leverage your experience with liquid rocket propulsion to plan and execute critical hotfire testing, lead anomaly resolution efforts, and mentor junior test personnel. Your expertise will directly impact mission success as we prepare our systems for lunar missions. Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of our space industry. Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the lunar surface and beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES Test Operations & Execution Lead the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the 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 hands-on 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 & 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 & 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 QUALIFICATIONS Required 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 Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options. 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. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.