Deputy Chief Engineer, Launch Vehicles
On-siteBriggs, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Define vehicle-level architecture, capabilities, and specifications while conducting system-level trades to drive innovation. Analyze mass, performance, power, and data budgets to ensure technical feasibility. Chair design reviews, own the technical risk posture, and lead root cause investigations for system vulnerabilities. Provide real-time on-console support for integrated test and launch operations, resolving live anomalies. Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers, vendors, and partners across the full mission lifecycle. Lead interdisciplinary efforts with Business Development, Engineering, and Operations, representing Firefly at conferences and investor meetings. Manage program risks through mitigation and cross-department communication. Based at Cedar Park with periodic travel to launch sites, this role requires regular presence at the Briggs, TX production and test facility.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with engineering problem solving in design, analysis, test, or operations of launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems
- Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals, including a strong understanding of interdisciplinary system interactions
- Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time, with higher percentages in support of launch campaigns
- 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
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Desired Qualifications
- Master's or PhD degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)
- 8+ years of professional, hands-on experience in aerospace engineering field (design, analysis, manufacturing, test, or operations at the vehicle-level)
- Demonstrated competency with engineering design configuration, risk management, and change management
- Ability to anticipate the impacts of vehicle-level changes to launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems
- Experience serving as the primary technical authority over a full launch service lifecycle, from kickoff to mission completion
- On-console test experience or support of launch vehicle and/or spacecraft system operations
- Experience with real-time troubleshooting and anomaly resolution in high-stakes environments
- Comprehensive understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials, and specifications
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards such as Range Safety, AS9100, and SMC Standards
- Experience with Atlassian products (Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket), Teamcenter, Epsilon3, and/or Odoo
- TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain one
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