Director, Propulsion Engineering

5 days ago

Cedar Park, Texas, United States Firefly Space Systems Full time

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of 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

The Director of Propulsion leads a dynamic department responsible for the design, development, testing, and operations of multiple engines across all launch vehicles and spacecraft. The team's journey began with a 15,000 lbf thrust vacuum engine for Alpha, and has since expanded to support five new engines, including an in-space hypergolic RCS thruster and a robust 250,000 lbf boost engine for MLV. Firefly, as a vertically integrated company with co-located test and fabrication facilities, fosters an environment of rapid innovation. Encouraged to challenge the status quo, the ideal candidate for this role thrives on pushing boundaries and seeking improvement. Emphasis is placed on rigorous testing, with a commitment to fixing issues over the long term. The Director of Propulsion must embody a balance of technical expertise and leadership, supporting technicians on the test stand while confidently representing the team during critical reviews. Growth, both personally and within the team, is a core principle, alongside a willingness to embrace failure as a catalyst for learning and improvement. A healthy level of technical concern, combined with a passion for innovation, drives success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead and manage the technical direction of propulsion and fluid systems development within a fast-paced organization
  • Mentor and support the growth of all teams within the Propulsion Department, comprised of just under 70 employees with varied experience and backgrounds, fostering a culture of continuous learning. The director creates opportunities for the team to expand their skills and develop professionally.
  • Collaborate closely with all other departments, including vehicle chief engineers, software, avionics, structures, manufacturing, and test, to ensure seamless integration and alignment of propulsion and fluid systems with ambitious department and company goals.
  • Oversee the full lifecycle development of propulsion system components and subsystems (simple valves all the way through staged combustion pre-burners), maintaining a focus on high performance, cost, and reliability.
  • Utilize analysis, simulations, and testing to optimize the performance of propulsion and fluid systems.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks to ensure successful system development and mission outcomes.
  • Make significant technical contributions to new engine programs, leveraging expertise to advance technology and enhance performance capabilities.
  • Ensure full qualification of all components, fluid systems, and engine hardware

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of comprehensive experience in the design, development, and test of propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace applications.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, with a track record of successfully managing people and technical teams for at least three years, achieving shared objectives.
  • Expertise in propulsion system design principles, fluid dynamics, combustion processes, rotating dynamics, and thermal management specifically tailored for space applications.
  • Hands-on experience in designing products for manufacturing, leading efforts to improve reliability, with concrete examples of successful initiatives they spearheaded from start to finish.
  • Solid understanding of cryogenic and storable propellants, with a keen ability to evaluate and assess new combinations of propellants.
  • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with a proven track record delivering complex propulsion and fluid system projects from concept through qualification.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to propulsion system development and aerospace engineering (e.g. SMC-S-016 and SMC-S-025)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and industry partners.

Desired

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, providing a comprehensive understanding of advanced propulsion concepts and technical principles.
  • Extensive track record of successful engine design and technology implementation in aerospace applications, showcasing a deep understanding of advanced propulsion concepts and methodologies.
  • Knowledge and prior experience with either design or test across multiple engine cycle technologies (e.g. gas generator, full-flow staged combustion, …)
  • Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within the propulsion department, encouraging creative thinking and continuous improvement.
  • Passion for advancing the field of propulsion, coupled with a commitment to staying abreast of emerging technologies and trends, and integrating them into the company's technical roadmap.

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