Deputy Chief Engineer, Spacecraft – Structural/Propulsion

Role Overview

• 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

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics)
• 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 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

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