Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer-Lead

About Firefly AerospaceAs 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.SummaryThe Firefly Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering (ME) Team is responsible for the fabrication, integration, test, and delivery of the engines and fluid systems to vehicle and spacecraft programs. The MEs' take profound ownership of vehicle component production processes, from the time the design is released to the delivery of a completed product. Lead Propulsion MEs' are effective communicators, cultural figureheads, and experienced makers, people who can take an idea on paper and turn it into a fully functioning component ready to fly to space. This role is located at our manufacturing and test site in Briggs, TX, north of Cedar Park.ResponsibilitiesLead the transition of propulsion hardware from development to production.Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and task prioritization for a team ofmanufacturing engineers.End-to-end ownership of the fabrication, assembly, and checkout procedures forpropulsion subassemblies and complete engines.Own the system-level production strategy for the propulsion components assignedto your team.Define, track, and report meaningful team-level metrics that align with performanceand production goals.Drive structured, documented continuous improvement initiatives that tie to teamobjectives.Participate in recruiting activities, including candidate evaluation and final panelinterviews.Participate in design reviews and influence design-for-manufacture decisions.Develop and maintain robust assembly and integration instructions; partner withtechnicians to iterate and improve.Disposition non-conformances and implement corrective actions to improveproduct and process reliability.Lead investigations of failures; drive root cause analysis and long-term preventivesolutions.Develop and execute test and checkout procedures for propulsion hardware.Act as the voice of your team across program meetings and technical reviews—owning escalations and alignment with company goals.Maintain accurate and up-to-date manufacturing data (BOMs, routers, WIs, NCRs)within Odoo ERP.Serve as an Odoo power user for your team, owning issue resolution and processsupport.Facilitate cross-functional communication with design, test, planning, quality, andoperations teams.Architect the structure of your team around product, process, or program needs tomaximize clarity and efficiency.Champion long-term strategic initiatives in your area, including new capabilities,capital investments, and technology roadmaps.Lead projects beyond the scope of standard engineering to drive company-widemanufacturing initiatives and innovation.Demonstrate strong leadership that guides and motivates your team towardcompany objectives.QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field3+ years of experience working in a Manufacturing Engineer role1+ years of experience of leadership or mentorship experienceProven experience with complex assemblies, e.g. production inaerospace/aviation/automotive industriesProven experience leading teams of other engineers and support personnelAble to read and interpret technical drawings and assembly instructionsProven experience with complex troubleshootingProven experience working in dynamic and evolving environmentsExcellent written and verbal communication skills to convey methodologies forassembly and troubleshootingStrong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills – Must be a team playerProven experience with tasks requiring extreme attention to detail and prolongedmental concentrationAbility to thrive in high stakes, stressful, short deadline environmentsCritical thinking and strong decision making abilityDesired2+ years of experience in an aerospace production environmentExperience with advanced manufacturing techniques (welding, brazing, casting, additive fabrication, forging, spin forming, etc.)Experience working with cryogenics and high-pressure pneumatics systemsExperience with modern manufacturing principles, such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, etc.Experience with complex system assembly and hands on build experience preferably in space systems or aerospace applicationsExperience with writing assembly procedures or documentation for mechanical,electrical, or structural systemsExperience writing test plans, procedures and identifying pass/fail criteria onsystems.Knowledge of data analysis packages (Python/high level Excel) preferredWorking knowledge of fluid components and systemsFirefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a 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.Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status