Deputy Chief Engineer, Launch Vehicles

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 Chief Engineering serves as the technical cornerstone of Fireflys space ecosystem vision defining vehicle level architecture and capabilities that reliably deliver missions from the surface of the Earth to the Moon and beyond Chief Engineers are charged with integrating cutting edge technologies with disciplined risk management to ensure mission success while maintaining the highest standards of engineering excellence As guardians of Fireflys technical integrity Chief Engineers bridge the gap between visionary concepts and operational reality empowering our company to enable our world to launch land and operate in space Anytime Anywhere In this role you will lead interdisciplinary optimization for your assigned program serving as the customer facing technical point of contact throughout the full mission lifecycle Youll conduct system level trades analyze system commodity budgets and develop innovative solutions that enhance vehicle capabilities As the primary technical authority you will ensure robust engineering rationale underpins all vehicle level decisions ultimately enabling Firefly to achieve its mission of making space accessible through reliable innovative transportation systems Based at our Cedar Park headquarters this position requires regular presence at our Production and Test facility in Briggs TX as well as periodic travel to launch sites in Vandenberg CA and Wallops Island VA RESPONSIBILITIES Define vehicle level architecture capabilities specifications operations and interdisciplinary optimization in alignment with Firefly objectivesInfluence and direct configuration requirements by conducting evaluating and leading system level trades to drive innovation in vehicle design and functionalityAnalyze and optimize mass performance power and data budgets ensuring technical feasibility and operational successChair vehicle level design and milestone reviews holding the team to the Firefly and Program standards to meet the risk posture of the programDevelop innovative solutions for vehicle design and operations integrating modern technologies to improve program capabilitiesIdentify creative ways to achieve standardization and commonality of component selection and integrated system designs across Firefly programsproduct linesOwn the technical risk posture for assigned programproduct and missions as the authority for vehicle riskActively reduce system vulnerabilities though robust root cause investigation change management corrective action and risk mitigationverification plansReview and validate designs work instructions nonconformances test plans and test procedures across sub systemsManage program risks by identifying mitigating and tracking potential technical issues while enabling cross departmentprogram communication of impacts risks and associated changesProvide real time on console support for integrated test and launch operations working to resolve live anomalies during mission operationsLead interdisciplinary efforts in coordination with Business Development Engineering Program Management and Operations for your assigned programproductCollaborate with Production Integration and Quality Assurance departments to ensure seamless operationsAct as the primary technical point of contact for customers vendors and program partners across the full lifecycle from proposal through end of mission data reviewsRepresent Firefly at conferences reviews and investor meetingsLead Mission Readiness and Data Reviews to ensure the vehicle and personnel are ready to support missions for assigned programproductProvide technical mentorship to the team and facilitate the training pipeline for the Chief Engineering teamBASIC QUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelors degree in engineering or related discipline eg computer science mathematics physics chemistry5 years of hands on experience with engineering problem solving in design analysis test or operations of launch vehicle andor spacecraft systemsDemonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals including a strong understanding of interdisciplinary system interactionsAbility to travel approximately 10 of the time with higher percentages in support of launch campaignsStrong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and writtenFlexibility regarding workflow and processExcellent organization skills; willingness to work with a team share expertise and follow instructions to accomplish established goalsDesired Masters or PhD degree in engineering or related discipline eg computer science mathematics physics chemistry8 years of professional hands on experience in aerospace engineering field design analysis manufacturing test or operations at the vehicle levelDemonstrated competency with engineering design configuration risk management and change managementAbility to anticipate the impacts of vehicle level changes to launch vehicle andor spacecraft systemsExperience serving as the primary technical authority over a full launch service lifecycle from kickoff to mission completionOn console test experience or support of launch vehicle andor spacecraft system operationsExperience with real time troubleshooting and anomaly resolution in high stakes environmentsComprehensive understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes materials and specificationsKnowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards such as Range Safety AS9100 and SMC StandardsExperience with Atlassian products Confluence Jira Bitbucket Teamcenter Epsilon3 andor OdooTSSCI security clearance or ability to obtain oneFirefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees including generous health dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles parental leave educational reimbursement short term disability and flexible PTO options To conform to US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US 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 originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status