Launch Engineer - Electrical Ground Support Equipment

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost. This position is located at Vandenberg, SFB

SUMMARY

Firefly EGSE Engineers in the launch group leverage their creative background and expertise to design data acquisition, control and instrumentation systems used to support integration, test and launch of Firefly vehicles. EGSE Engineers are responsible for designing, building, testing, installing, and servicing data acquisition systems, controls, and other low-voltage electrical systems for the Firefly launch team. They must apply knowledge of electronic, mechanical, and fluid transport principles to ensure the internal and external communication of data is optimally configured. You will have full ownership of your project from the initial concept through all phases of the design, analysis, and implementation. Rockets don’t fly without your support equipment!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design data and control systems for our launch sites, including drawings with data and control I/O diagrams, instrument and control cable schedules, instrument loop diagrams, junction box wiring diagrams, control panel layout and wiring diagrams.
• Create and conduct in-house testing and development of equipment and automation.
• Design, develop, and test SCADA, human-machine interface, and PLC systems for critical equipment involving mechanical, electrical, and fluid handling systems.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for all required instrument and electrical equipment to be purchased for projects.
• Work with other teams to commission electrical systems, including the calibration and/or configuration of instrument devices.
• Work with operations team to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements, proper and timely build of equipment, and cost reduction in design.
• Manage all aspects of EGSE installation, including pre-installation surveys, data or controls installation design, personnel training, engineering support to launch technicians, and equipment commissioning.
• Perform launch site checkouts for test and launch operations and support launch day.
• Define requirements and coordinate installation of power and communications infrastructure in support of Firefly facilities.
• Travels to test and launch sites as required to support the overall program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors’ degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline is preferred. Relevant experience and demonstrated technical ability will be considered in lieu of formal degree.
• 3+ years of recent experience in a professional setting outside the classroom in data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, Oil and Gas facilities, or other high complexity critical infrastructure.
• Ability to create process flow diagrams (P&ID, schematics, cause & effect chart, logic chart, instrument index).
• Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, UL, ISA, and IEC codes and electrical codes and requirements.
• Ability to draft and utilize drawings to assist in building of panels and electrical harnessing.
• Proficiency in programming/configuring PLCs and HMI systems across multiple platforms.
• Working knowledge of multiple data communication technologies (OPC-UA, Profinet, Modbus, PXI/PXIe, Serial, etc.).
• Experience identifying project constraints and implementing creative solutions to unique challenges.
• Self-starter that is service-oriented to help the team drive efficient execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Thorough understanding of electrical engineering principles (i.e., low voltage command and control loops, Wheatstone bridge circuits, Ohm’s Law, State Machines, etc).

Desired

• Fundamental understanding of OSI model networking principles, including redundant topology and cable pathways.
• 5+ years of experience with data acquisition and control systems for Aerospace ground systems, Aerospace vehicle systems, or Oil and Gas facilities
• The ability to mentor junior EGSE engineers and guide technician work on EGSE systems
• Working knowledge of AFSPCMAN 91-710 Range Safety User Requirements for EGSE.
• Experience developing Operating and Support Hazardous Analysis (O&SHA).
• Experience with National Instrument Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) for configuring and troubleshooting devices for use with LabView.
• Experience working in fast pace, high stress critical environments
• Experience working with CAD and PLM tools such as AutoCAD, NX, and Teamcenter

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for federal locations both domestically and internationally
• Up to 40% travel required
• Must be comfortable stooping and bending, as well as standing for long periods of time to support test and launch day operations.
• Ability to operate machinery such as forklifts and boom lifts a plus.
• Must be able to work in varying climate environments, heat, cold, rain.
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted.

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.