Deputy Chief Engineer – Launch Vehicles

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, performance, 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 test and launch 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, 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
• Master's or PhD degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry) is desired
• 8+ years of professional, hands-on experience in aerospace engineering field (design, analysis, manufacturing, test, or operations at the vehicle-level) is desired
• Demonstrated competency with engineering design configuration, risk management, and change management is desired
• Ability to anticipate the impacts of vehicle-level changes to launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems is desired
• Experience serving as the primary technical authority over a full launch service lifecycle, from kickoff to mission completion is desired
• On-console test experience or support of launch vehicle and/or spacecraft system operations is desired
• Experience with real-time troubleshooting and anomaly resolution in high-stakes environments is desired
• Comprehensive understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials, and specifications is desired
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards such as Range Safety, AS9100, and SMC Standards is desired
• Experience with Atlassian products (Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket), Teamcenter, Epsilon3, and/or Odoo is desired
• TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain one is desired.

Tech Stack

• TypeScript

Benefits

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