Senior Manager, Spacecraft Propulsion
Firefly Aerospace
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Cedar Park • Texas • United States
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Job Level
About the role
- Lead spacecraft propulsion system development from requirements definition through flight operations
- Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team responsible for engines, thrusters, fluid systems, valves, and thermal hardware
- Maintain technical ownership of propulsion hardware across design, analysis, manufacturing, test, qualification, and operations
- Serve as the primary technical authority for spacecraft propulsion systems
- Plan, coordinate, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing
- Collaborate with teams to ensure successful vehicle integration
- Drive performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design and data-driven decision-making
- Identify and close technical risks through analysis, testing, and operational feedback
- Support spacecraft test campaigns and flight operations as needed
- Establish and maintain engineering standards, processes, and documentation for spacecraft propulsion systems
Requirements
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
- 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams
- Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, thermodynamics, and thermal systems
- Hands-on experience driving performance, reliability, or design-for-manufacturability initiatives
- Deep understanding of storable propellant systems
- Knowledge of relevant aerospace standards and requirements (e.g., SMC-S-016, SMC-S-025)
- Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components
- Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation
- Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits
- generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
- parental leave
- educational reimbursement
- short term disability
- flexible PTO options
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
propulsion system designfluid dynamicscombustionthermodynamicsthermal systemsdesign-for-manufacturabilitystorable propellant systemsmanufacturingfabricationquality control
Soft Skills
leadershipcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingdata-driven decision-makingrisk analysistechnical ownershipteam managementperformance managementdocumentation
Certifications
B.S. in Mechanical EngineeringB.S. in Aerospace Engineering