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Firefly Aerospace

60 Firefly Aerospace Propulsion Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Propulsion Engineering

TX · On-site

About Firefly Aerospace Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to ... The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft ...

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Firefly Aerospace Jobs Information

Do workers at Firefly Aerospace get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
75% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Does Firefly Aerospace pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
75% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Is the health insurance from Firefly Aerospace affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do workers at Firefly Aerospace worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
83% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and October 2025.

How easy is it to get time off at Firefly Aerospace?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
78% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do Firefly Aerospace managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
80% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and October 2025.

Do jobs at Firefly Aerospace spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
20% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and October 2025.

How easy is it to take sick days at Firefly Aerospace?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
90% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people at Firefly Aerospace feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
80% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people at Firefly Aerospace get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
88% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Firefly Aerospace?

Most people feel stressed out here.
100% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Firefly Aerospace enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
90% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people at Firefly Aerospace recommend working with their team?

Most people recommend working with their team.
80% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Firefly Aerospace?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
44% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Firefly Aerospace?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 78% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do people think Firefly Aerospace’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Some people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
60% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Firefly Aerospace is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
70% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Propulsion Engineer jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Firefly Aerospace?
What are the most popular categories at Firefly Aerospace?
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings at Firefly Aerospace in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 85% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution.

Director, Propulsion Engineering

Firefly Aerospace

TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
About the Role
The Propulsion Director provides technical and organizational leadership for the design, development, test, qualification, and operation of propulsion systems across Firefly's launch vehicles and spacecraft. This role is accountable for multiple engine and fluid system programs spanning early architecture trades through flight operations.
As a vertically integrated company with co-located design, fabrication, and test facilities, Firefly expects the Propulsion Director to be deeply engaged in hardware development while setting a clear technical vision and execution strategy. The successful candidate balances hands-on technical depth with people leadership, thrives in a fast-paced development environment, and drives a culture of rigorous testing, ownership, and continuous improvement.
The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, vehicle fluid systems, valve design, and propulsion analysis teams.
Responsibilities
  • Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of all propulsion and fluid systems programs across launch vehicles and spacecraft
  • Lead, develop, and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and professional growth
  • Maintain ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture trades through qualification, flight, and operations
  • Serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems, supporting major design reviews, test readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness activities
  • Collaborate closely with discipline chief engineers, vehicle chief engineers, and cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, quality, and test
  • Drive propulsion system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design practices and data-driven decision making
  • Ensure robust risk identification, mitigation, and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback
  • Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines, with an emphasis on learning-oriented testing
  • Contribute directly to new engine and propulsion technology development, providing technical insight and guidance where needed
  • Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and compliance with applicable industry and government requirements

Qualifications
Required
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
  • 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs
  • Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery, thermodynamics, and thermal systems as well as a demonstrated ability to apply these first principles to arrive at simple, robust solutions
  • Demonstrated experience owning hardware from early concept through testing, qualification, and operation
  • Hands-on experience driving performance, reliability, or design-for-manufacturability initiatives
  • Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems
  • Working 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 (such as machining, inspection, assembly, testing, etc.)
  • Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, pressure transducers, tubing, pressurized hardware, seals, and instrumentation and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis with such components
  • Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent propulsion programs to internal and external stakeholders

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field
  • Extensive experience developing and operating liquid rocket engines, launch vehicles, or spacecraft
  • In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations
  • Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing (such as valves, regulators, piping systems, pumps, etc.)
  • Familiarity with multiple engine cycle architectures (e.g., gas generator, staged combustion, full-flow staged combustion)
  • Proven ability to build and sustain a high-performing engineering culture centered on ownership, learning, and execution
  • Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from blank-sheet design through full operation
  • Demonstrated passion for advancing propulsion technology and integrating emerging capabilities into an executable roadmap

Disclaimer
Firefly 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.

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