Composites Manufacturing Engineer (2nd Shift & Weekends)

Position Overview

Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end responsive space company on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Manufacturing Engineer for our Structures Department. In this role, you will develop tooling and fixtures for both development and production programs, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance our aerospace composite manufacturing processes. This full-time position is based in Briggs, Texas (approximately 30 minutes north of Cedar Park) and requires working weekends as well as support on the 2nd Shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of tooling, fixtures, and production equipment for aerospace composite component manufacturing, including material selection and adherence to industry standards.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Take ownership of hardware development and production processes, ensuring adherence to schedules and driving continuous improvements.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for part expertise, guiding fabrication and technical aspects of the hardware.
• Support manufacturing floor operations by identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Create detailed work instructions and procedures to standardize manufacturing processes.
• Lead the resolution of nonconformance issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate improvements into production processes.
• Oversee manufacturing programs to ensure they meet quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Identify and address production challenges, implementing effective solutions for timely delivery of aerospace components.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Participate in cost reduction initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining product integrity.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by driving Lean and Six Sigma principles throughout the manufacturing process.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in carbon fiber composite aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly master complex hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software for designing tooling and fixturing.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in driving process improvements in a fast-paced environment.
• High initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic work setting.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of aerospace manufacturing or engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a similar field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience with Automated Fiber Placement.
• Expertise in quick-turn custom composite tooling design and fabrication.
• Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing Black Belt certification.

Benefits & Perks

• Outstanding benefits: generous health, dental and vision plans with low deductibles.
• Parental leave and educational reimbursement opportunities.
• Short term disability and pet insurance.
• Flexible PTO options to support work-life balance.