Composites Manufacturing Engineering Manager - Firefly Aerospace : Job Details

Pay Competitive

Location: Bertram/Texas

Employment type: Full-Time

• Req#: 2498952

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Composite Manufacturing Engineer Manager to lead and oversee our aerospace composite manufacturing operations. As manager, you will be responsible for providing strategic direction, managing a team of engineers and working directly with technician leadership, and driving continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes. Your leadership, technical expertise, and managerial skills will be critical in delivering high-quality aerospace components and advancing our manufacturing capabilities. Firefly composite structures form an integral aspect that distinguishes Firefly from competitors, and we are seeking candidates prepared to establish a groundbreaking benchmark in the rocket industry.

The Composites Manufacturing Engineering Manager guarantees the optimal utilization of Structures Facilities and personnel for production purposes. The ideal candidate will supervise all facets of production, including build specifications, manufacturing engineering, tooling, manufacturing technology, quality control prerequisites, and production floor layout and enhancement. This role is located at our rocket test and manufacturing facility in Briggs, TX, just north of Cedar Park.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Composites Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for the following:

• Lead and manage a team of composite manufacturing engineers, and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies for composite manufacturing, aligning with organizational goals, and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize manufacturing processes while maintaining quality standards.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet production targets, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Develop and implement quality control measures, ensuring aerospace components meet stringent industry standards and customer specifications.
• Oversee complex manufacturing projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, setting timelines, and ensuring on-time delivery.
• Lead the team in manufacturing hardware for new Firefly programs.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenses, and make informed decisions to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Maintain accurate records, generate performance reports, and escalate key insights to upper management.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with regulations and the promotion of a safe working environment.
• Facilitate collaboration between Mechanical Engineering and production to ensure product requirements are clearly communicated early.

QUALIFICATIONS

Technical

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or manufacturing
• Extensive manufacturing experience
• Proficiency in implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to optimize production processes.
• 2+ years proven experience in leading and managing teams, providing mentorship, and driving professional growth.
• 2+ years experience in Aerospace Manufacturing processes
• Previous experience establishing a new product line.
• Forward thinking, positive, 'get it done' attitude.
• Ability to develop and execute strategies that align with business goals and drive innovation in composite manufacturing.
• Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Commitment to upholding the highest quality standards in aerospace manufacturing processes and products.

Desired

• 3+ years in a manufacturing leadership role
• Experience in bringing projects from R&D to production and scaling up.
• 5+ years experience in aerospace manufacturing, particularly with composite materials and aerospace quality standards.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and certifications (e.g., FAA, AS9100) relevant to composite manufacturing.
• Understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Experience in leading research and development initiatives to advance manufacturing capabilities.

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.

Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.