Spacecraft Functional Test Engineer II at Firefly Aerospace in TX

Job description

• We are seeking a Spacecraft Functional Test Engineer II to join our Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO) organization and play a key role in verifying spacecraft performance from integration through launch. As part of the spacecraft test team, you will develop and execute functional test campaigns that validate system and subsystem performance, ensuring each vehicle is flight-ready. This is a hands-on, highly cross-functional role that blends test architecture design, software-driven test execution, and real-time problem solving during vehicle integration and environmental testing.
• You’ll work closely with subsystem design teams to define test requirements, develop test scripts and procedures, and build automation that enables repeatable, high-throughput testing across multiple spacecraft programs. This position is ideal for engineers who thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy working across hardware and software boundaries, and are passionate about building reliable spacecraft through disciplined testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute spacecraft functional and system-level test procedures to verify vehicle performance and mission readiness.
• Design and maintain automated test scripts, configurations, and architectures to support efficient test execution across multiple programs.
• Collaborate with subsystem responsible engineers and chief engineers to define test requirements and ensure traceability to verification objectives.
• Support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testbed development and maintenance, including defining configurations and integrating hardware/software interfaces.
• Monitor and troubleshoot test results, identifying issues and driving root cause resolution across subsystems.
• Plan and support test operations in cleanroom, environmental, and launch site environments.
• Contribute to data management, telemetry visualization, and results analysis to ensure comprehensive verification and documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to streamline test processes, increase automation, and enhance test reliability.
• Support the development of tools, dashboards, and analytics for test performance tracking and data-driven decision making.

Requirements

• Basic
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex electromechanical system test environments.
• Hands-on experience developing or executing functional or system-level test procedures.
• Familiarity with test automation frameworks and scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
• Working knowledge of hardware/software interfaces, data acquisition, and telemetry systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting multiple spacecraft programs.
• Experience with spacecraft-level testing, including power-on, system checkout, and mission simulation campaigns.
• Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) systems, EGSE design, or simulation environments.
• Experience supporting transition from prototype to production-style test operations.
• Background in test data visualization or analytics (e.g., Power BI, Grafana, or custom dashboards).
• Knowledge of software development practices, including version control, code review, and basic code readability.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and process optimization principles applied to test operations.
• Experience with environmental test coordination, launch campaign support, or post-environmental functional testing.

Skills

Required

• Test automation frameworks
• Hardware/software interfaces
• Data acquisition
• Telemetry systems
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills

Preferred

• Spacecraft-level testing
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) systems
• EGSE design
• Simulation environments
• Environmental test coordination
• Launch campaign support

Benefits

• Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.