Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling and Fixture Design

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace Inc. is an American end-to-end space transportation company committed to providing economical and convenient access to space for small payloads through the design, manufacture, and operation of reliable launch and spacecraft vehicles. Firefly's launch vehicles utilize common technologies, manufacturing infrastructure, and launch capabilities, providing LEO launch solutions for up to ten metric tons of payload. Combined with Firefly's in-space vehicles, such as the Space Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Blue Ghost Lunar Lander, Firefly provides the space industry with a single source for missions from LEO to the surface of the Moon or beyond.
SUMMARY
As part of a small, fast-paced, and passionate team you will be instrumental developing the world's largest liquid fueled all composite rocket and implementing full rate production on our current vehicle and programs. We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in Tooling and Fixture Design to join our innovative structures manufacturing team. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience with the manufacture of composite materials.
You will be responsible for developing Tooling and Fixtures for development programs as well as production programs, driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, developing new processes, and providing technical expertise to enhance our production capabilities. This role will give you a wide variety of opportunities. This position requires a strong background in aerospace Tooling and fixturing, strong background in composites manufacturing and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve program goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of tooling, fixtures, and production equipment necessary for the manufacturing of aerospace composite components. This includes selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to meet specific aerospace industry standards.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance manufacturing processes, tooling, and Fixtures to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Implement improvements to increase production capacity and reduce cycle times.
• Manage projects related to Tooling and Fixture Design, including creating project plans, timelines, and budgets. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in Tooling and Fixture Design for aerospace composites. Apply this knowledge to the development and improvement of manufacturing processes.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions for Tooling and Fixtures.
• Provide guidance and training to junior engineers and technicians in Tooling and Fixture Design. Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality, to ensure the seamless integration of Tooling and Fixtures into the production process.
• Manage and oversee manufacturing programs, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Identify and address production challenges, implementing effective solutions to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality aerospace components.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineering, quality assurance, and production, to drive collaboration and achieve program objectives.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and participate in cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product integrity.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, driving Lean and Six Sigma principles throughout the manufacturing process.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering field.
• 7+ years of experience in Tooling and Fixture Design, preferably in aerospace composites manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace industry standards, materials, and processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, CATIA) and FEA analysis tools.
• Exposure to composite materials and processes (carbon fiber, resins, curing methods, etc.).
• Project management skills with a proven track record of successfully completing projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Experience establishing new procedures and streamlining old procedures
• A passion for creating, building, and making things happen

Desired

• 10+ years working in a manufacturing environment with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or similar area.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Automated Fiber Placement experience is a strong plus
• Quick-turn custom composite tooling design and fabrication
• Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing Black Belt certification

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.
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