About this opportunity
Firefly Aerospace lists this Instrumentation & Controls Engineer III-Ground Systems opportunity in briggs, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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Instrumentation & Controls Engineer III-Ground Systems
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.
About the Role
Join Firefly's Ground Systems team as a Level III Instrumentation & Controls Engineer and become the technical authority for the systems that make launch, orbit, and landing possible. This isn't theoretical engineering - it's expert-level design, technical leadership, and strategic direction for the control systems and instrumentation that monitor rocket engines, manage cryogenic propellants, and enable rapid-fire test campaigns across all of Firefly’s programs. As a Level III engineer, you are the subject matter expert and technical leader. You'll architect complete control system solutions from concept through commissioning, lead complex projects and multiple engineers on time-sensitive initiatives, and serve as the go-to authority when the toughest technical challenges arise. Your control architectures will span all of Firefly's test stands, test fixtures, and launch sites. Your technical decisions will influence and shape the evolution of rapidly evolving launch and in-space programs. Your expertise will guide the next generation of engineers developing Firefly's ground infrastructure. This role demands technical mastery and leadership. You'll need deep expertise in PLCs, HMIs, data acquisition, and instrumentation—but also the strategic vision to set technical direction, the leadership skills to guide project teams, and the business acumen to support project execution and customer engagement. You'll work at the highest technical level - defining standards, driving innovation, developing roadmaps, and representing Firefly's I&C capabilities to internal and external stakeholders. You'll lead technical teams through the most complex challenges, make architectural decisions that impact multiple programs, and resolve problems that other engineers elevate to you. When a novel test requirement demands a control solution that doesn't exist yet, you'll architect it. When a major customer has concerns about data integrity or performance, you'll be in the room explaining our approach. When a critical project needs expert leadership to stay on track, you'll take the reins. If you're a recognized expert in instrumentation and controls who's ready to shape the technical direction of a growing space company, mentor the next generation of engineers, and see your architectural vision enable humanity's expansion into space, this is your opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise:
Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for instrumentation and controls across Firefly
Lead small technical teams of 1-2 engineers on specific, complex, or time-sensitive projects and initiatives
Create and maintain procedures and standards for design, fabrication, and activation of control systems and control hardware
Drive innovation in control system methodologies, tools, and approaches
Develop long-term technical roadmaps for I&C capabilities and infrastructure
Architect control system solutions for novel applications and complex technical challenges
Provide technical authority and final design approval for critical control systems
Serve as technical escalation point for complex troubleshooting and problem resolution
Represent Firefly I&C capabilities in technical reviews, working groups, and industry forums
Strategic Planning & Business Development:
Participate in proposal development and provide technical input for new business opportunities
Interface with internal and external customers to understand and resolve technical challenges
Support cost estimation and technical risk assessment for new projects
Contribute to technical strategy and capability development planning
Identify opportunities for technology advancement and competitive differentiation
Develop relationships with vendors, technology providers, and industry partners
Control System Design & Implementation:
Design, develop, test, and introduce controls, human-machine interfaces, data acquisition, and PLC systems for equipment involving mechanical, electrical, electronic controls, and fluid handling systems
Design and implement PLC-based control systems for test stands, launch infrastructure, and ground support equipment
Develop control logic, ladder logic, and structured text programming for Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms
Design and configure HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) for operator control and system monitoring
Create control system architectures including I/O mapping, network topology, and control panel layouts
Design interlock logic and safety systems to protect personnel, equipment, and flight hardware
Develop automated sequencing for propellant loading, engine testing, and vehicle processing operations
Implement motion control systems for valves, actuators, and positioning systems
Develop SCADA systems for monitoring and control of distributed ground support equipment
Instrumentation & Data Acquisition:
Specify, select, and integrate sensors including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, strain gauges, load cells, and position encoders
Design signal conditioning circuits and amplification systems for sensor interfaces
Configure data acquisition systems using National Instruments hardware (cRIO, CompactRIO, PXI) or similar platforms
Develop LabVIEW or Python scripts for automated data collection and analysis
Design instrumentation layouts and cable routing for test stands and launch facilities
Calibrate instrumentation and maintain calibration records per AS9100 requirements
Implement high-speed data acquisition for transient measurements during engine firings
Electrical Design & Documentation:
Generate instrumentation and control system drawing packages for projects including control and I/O diagrams, instrument and control cable schedules, instrument loop diagrams, junction box wiring diagrams, control panel layout and wiring diagrams
Create electrical drawings including single-line diagrams, control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and conduit routing plans
Design control panels including power distribution, circuit protection, terminal blocks, and component mounting
Specify electrical components including breakers, contactors, relays, power supplies, and signal converters
Review and approve electrical installation work for compliance with design intent and electrical codes
Maintain as-built documentation and configuration control of electrical systems
Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for all required instrumentation and electrical equipment to be purchased for projects
Prepare technical specifications and requisitions for control system components
Coordinate with procurement team to ensure timely delivery of materials
Review vendor submittals, datasheets, and technical documentation for compliance with specifications
Manage relationships with equipment vendors and system integrators
Evaluate new technologies and products for potential application in ground systems
Testing & Development:
Create and conduct in-house testing and development of equipment
Develop test procedures and acceptance criteria for control system validation
Perform bench testing of control panels, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
Conduct proof-of-concept testing for new control strategies and technologies
Validate software and firmware before deployment to operational systems
Handle all controls and communications aspects of installation, including pre-installation site surveys, controls installation preparedness, and equipment commissioning
Support installation activities including panel fabrication, cable pulling, termination, and system integration
Assist in building of panels and other electrical hardware based on drawings
Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of control systems
Commission control systems including I/O checkout, loop tuning, and functional verification
Validate control logic through simulation and dry-run testing before live operations
Troubleshoot electrical and control system issues during installation and commissioning
Provide engineering support to technicians during installation and commissioning activities
Support operational readiness reviews and safety reviews for new systems
Test Operations Support:
Work with launch and test personnel in performing checkouts and commissioning of installed instrumentation and electrical systems, including calibration and/or configuration of instrument devices
Perform site checkouts for test and launch operations and support launch and test day as needed
Support test campaigns by operating control systems, monitoring data acquisition, and troubleshooting real-time issues
Provide on-call engineering support for test operations including evenings and weekends as needed
Diagnose and resolve control system anomalies during test operations with minimal downtime
Review test data and provide feedback on instrumentation performance and data quality
Implement rapid modifications to control systems to support evolving test requirements
Collaborate with test engineers to optimize test procedures and system performance
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with operations team to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements, proper and timely build of equipment, and cost reduction in design
Work closely with mechanical, fluids, structures, and software engineers to define system requirements
Work with multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively between different schools of engineering
Participate in design reviews including PDR, CDR, and operational readiness reviews
Coordinate with operations teams to understand operational needs and constraints
Interface with vendors and contractors for equipment procurement and installation
Provide technical input to project managers on schedule, cost, and technical risk
Mentorship & Technical Leadership:
Mentor Level I and Level II engineers and technicians on control system design, PLC programming, and instrumentation best practices
Review technical work products from junior engineers including drawings, calculations, and code
Lead small technical projects or subsystem design efforts
Contribute to development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices
Support continuous improvement of engineering processes and tools
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls, Instrumentation, or related Engineering or technical discipline
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering for industrial systems, test facilities, or ground support equipment
3-5 years of recent experience in a professional setting outside the classroom in control systems for chemical/oil facilities (SCADA), aerospace ground or vehicle control systems, or similar industrial applications
Hands-on experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms) using ladder logic and structured text
Experience designing and configuring HMIs for industrial control applications
Strong understanding of instrumentation including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and calibration
Working knowledge of common electrical sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, encoders, etc.)
Proficiency with data acquisition systems, preferably National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW
Ability to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation
Experience with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet)
Strong electrical fundamentals including circuit analysis, power systems, and analog/digital electronics
Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software
Experience with commissioning and troubleshooting of control systems in operational environments
Hands-on experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and calibration equipment
Ability to learn quickly, take accountability, and self-motivate
Good oral and written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and control issues
Effective communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration
Flexibility to support test operations including extended hours and weekend work as needed
U.S. Person status required (U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee) due to ITAR/EAR requirements
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering
5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, petrochemical, or similar high-reliability industries
Experience with rocket engine test stands, launch pad control systems, or propulsion test facilities
Knowledge of cryogenic fluid systems, high-pressure gas systems, and propellant handling operations
Experience with National Instruments cRIO or CompactRIO systems and LabVIEW Real-Time programming
Proficiency with Python for automation scripting and data analysis
SCADA creation or management experience for distributed control systems
Ability to assist in panel assembly and hands-on fabrication of electrical hardware
Familiarity with ISO, IEEE, NFPA, ANSI, and EIA codes and electrical codes and requirements
Knowledge of NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79, and UL 508A electrical standards
Understanding of EMI/EMC considerations and design practices
Experience with motion control systems and servo drives
Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial networking infrastructure
Experience with RF systems, telemetry, or wireless instrumentation
Understanding of hazardous location electrical design (Class I, Div 1/2)
Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems
Previous experience supporting test campaigns or launch operations
PE license or EIT certification
Six Sigma or Lean 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.
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Worksite address
briggs, TX, 78608, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.