Fluids Launch Engineer I

Firefly Aerospace

Entry level fluids systems engineer supporting launch pad operations at Firefly Aerospace. Assisting in maintenance, testing, and upgrades of fluids systems in a fast-paced environment.

Posted 5/16/2026full-timeVandenberg Space Force Base • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation, maintenance and testing of the launch pad fluids and pneumatic systems.
Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel to drive fluids system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns.
Support launch pad system and flight vehicle system integrity testing to validate system health, performance and readiness for launch campaigns.
Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations.
Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day close out team activities.
Write procedures for system operation, maintenance, and vehicle testing operations.
Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.
Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
Provide technical write-ups for systems upgrade proposals or tailoring of regulations.
Ability to work with Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members with limited supervision to achieve project or testing objectives.
Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad fluid and pneumatic systems.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
0 - 2 years of hands-on experience with fluids systems, pneumatic systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations
Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems in an operational or project environment.
Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
parental leave
educational reimbursement
short term disability
pet Insurance
flexible PTO options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

fluids systemspneumatic systemsmechanismshydraulic systemstoolingflight hardwaretest operationsengineering documentationP&ID schematicssystem maintenance

Soft Skills

self-motivationinitiativeadaptabilitycommunicationproblem-solvingprioritizationexecution under pressurecollaborationtechnical writingsupervision

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineeringBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering