Chief Engineer – Spacecraft

Firefly Aerospace

Chief Engineer overseeing spacecraft development at Firefly Aerospace with a focus on mission reliability and innovation. Leading interdisciplinary teams and optimizing vehicle performance for space missions.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeCedar Park • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define vehicle-level architecture, capabilities, specifications, operations, and interdisciplinary optimization in alignment with Firefly objectives
Influence and direct configuration requirements by conducting, evaluating, and leading system-level trades to drive innovation in vehicle design and functionality
Analyze and optimize mass, delta V, power, and data budgets, ensuring technical feasibility and operational success
Chair vehicle-level design and milestone reviews, holding the team to the Firefly and Program standards to meet the risk posture of the program
Develop innovative solutions for vehicle design and operations, integrating modern technologies to improve program capabilities
Identify creative ways to achieve standardization and commonality of component selection and integrated system designs across Firefly programs/product lines
Own the technical risk posture for assigned program/product and missions as the authority for vehicle risk
Actively reduce system vulnerabilities though robust root cause investigation, change management, corrective action, and risk mitigation/verification plans
Review and validate designs, work instructions, nonconformances, test plans, and test procedures across sub-systems
Manage program risks by identifying, mitigating, and tracking potential technical issues, while enabling cross-department/program communication of impacts risks and associated changes
Provide real time (on-console) support for integrated operations, working to resolve live anomalies during mission operations
Lead interdisciplinary efforts in coordination with Business Development, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations for your assigned program/product
Collaborate with Production, Integration, and Quality Assurance departments to ensure seamless operations
Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers, vendors, and program partners across the full lifecycle (from proposal through end of mission data reviews)
Represent Firefly at conferences, reviews, and investor meetings
Lead Mission Readiness and Data Reviews to ensure the vehicle and personnel are ready to support missions for assigned program/product
Provide technical mentorship to the team and facilitate the training pipeline for the Chief Engineering team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)
10+ yrs. in spacecraft/subsystem development and operations
5+ yrs. in aerospace working in a leadership role
Subject matter expert in one or more spacecraft, space systems, or operations Engineering domains
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance
Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals, including a strong understanding of orbital mechanics
Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time, with higher percentages in support of environmental test and launch
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
Flexibility regarding workflow and process
Excellent organization skills; willingness to work with a team, share expertise, and follow instructions to accomplish established goals.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Vehicle-Level ArchitectureSystem-Level TradesMass OptimizationPower Budget AnalysisData Budget AnalysisRoot Cause InvestigationChange ManagementTest Plan ReviewDesign ValidationCorrective Action Plans

Soft Skills

Strong Interpersonal SkillsEffective CommunicationExcellent Organization SkillsFlexibility Regarding WorkflowTeam Collaboration

Certifications

Bachelor's Degree in EngineeringTS/SCI Security Clearance