Spacecraft Test Engineering Manager bei Firefly Aerospace

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Spacecraft Test Engineering Manager to lead our vehicle functional test organization. In this role, you will own the scope of spacecraft functional test across multiple programs, ensuring that every vehicle meets mission requirements through disciplined testing, cross-functional collaboration, and technical leadership. You will guide a team of engineers and technicians, drive continuous improvement, and deliver spacecraft that are verified and ready for launch. This role will be instrumental in scaling our vehicle test capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing spacecraft organization. By building and leading a high-performing test team, you will not only ensure mission success across multiple programs but also help shape the processes, tools, and culture that will define our long-term growth. Your leadership will directly impact the company�s ability to deliver spacecraft on schedule, with quality and confidence, as we expand our fleet and capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of spacecraft test engineers and technicians across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and own the spacecraft functional test scope, including:
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testbed definition and management
  • Test plan, procedure, and script development
  • Test execution oversight and results tracking
• Drive strategic process and test equipment improvement initiatives to enhance spacecraft testing efficiency, reliability, scalability, and repeatability
• Define and support offsite operational testing activities, including environmental test campaigns and launch operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders�engineering, electrical ground support equipment, mission operations, mission management, and program leadership�to ensure vehicle test campaigns adequately verify mission objectives and meet program schedules.
• Monitor and manage test campaign schedules, risks, and resource allocation to support program milestones.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and compliance requirements throughout all phases of test execution.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor�s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex system test engineering.
• 2+ years of leadership or management experience, with a track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence. Experience working in an Agile workflow environment
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft or system-level functional testing, HWIL systems, and automated test environments.
• Strong understanding of requirements verification, validation processes, and test campaign management.
• Familiarity with software development processes and ability to write and interpret code (e.g., Python, C++, or test scripting languages) to support test automation, troubleshooting, and team code reviews.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading test campaigns across multiple spacecraft programs simultaneously.
• Familiarity with environmental testing, launch site operations, and ground systems integration.
• Proficiency with data visualization and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, PowerBI).
• Experience with database query languages (e.g., SQL) and test automation frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements in a fast-paced production or development environment.