Test Operations Technician I

About Firefly Aerospace Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

This position is located at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX north of Austin, TX. Summary Join a dynamic, hands-on team where you’ll be at the heart of testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, and supporting launch day operations at the launch pad. Here, your work isn’t just a job; it’s a direct line to shaping the future of space exploration. You'll be integral to manufacturing, assembling, and testing mission-critical hardware that drives Firefly’s launch vehicle and spacecraft forward. Your dedication and precision will ensure safe, repeatable spaceflight. As a Test Technician, you’ll work side by side with engineers on high-stakes test operations, standing up flight hardware on test stands and fixtures that push boundaries. This is where impact meets innovation—are you ready?

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Execute and oversee rigorous testing of flight and ground support hardware, including hydraulic, pneumatic, proof, leak, and electrical assessments.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop, document, and refine comprehensive test procedures for a variety of testing conditions and setups.
• Assist in the design, fabrication, and assembly of test fixtures, stands, and specialized equipment to meet testing specifications and requirements.
• Coordinate with test engineers and management to effectively plan daily test activities, proactively manage technical risks, and support adherence to operational schedules.
• Perform precision assembly of complex flight systems, following technical documentation, CAD models, and structured work orders.
• Enhance safety and operational efficiency through regular audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Deliver technical support at the launch pad, encompassing the preparation, testing, and validation of flight hardware and support systems to ensure they are operationally ready. Work closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and address issues, conduct final inspections, verify the launch pad configuration, and ensure all systems meet safety standards for a successful launch.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working in an aerospace, manufacturing, military or automotive environment
• High attention to detail
• The ability to self-start, bringing clarity to uncertain situations, building trust, fostering positive and professional relationships, and supporting an inclusive culture
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended period of times and work in a test stand environment.
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to travel 15% of the time to support launch operations.

Desired

• Associate degree in an engineering, technical, or mechanical field A&P license
• Experience in airframe structural repair
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with testing process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in aerospace industry
• Possesses a strong safety mindset with hands-on experience in planning and executing hazardous or critical operations.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Confluence, JIRA, and photo generation/compilation
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing)
• Overhead crane and rigging experience

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*