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

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Automated Fiber Placement Operator Assistant to support our aerospace advanced composites manufacturing team. As an AFP Operator Assistant, you will work closely with the AFP Machine Operator, providing essential assistance during the setup, operation, bagging, installation of core and maintenance of the Automated Fiber Placement Machine. Your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions will be vital in ensuring the production of high-quality aerospace components using advanced composite materials. This role is located at our rocket production facility in Briggs, TX, north of Cedar Park.

If you are a reliable and detail-oriented individual with an interest in advanced composites technology, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the production of our space transportation products. Excellent training and advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the AFP Machine Operator in preparing the Automated Fiber Placement Machine for production runs. This includes material handling, loading spools of composite materials, and ensuring proper alignment and tension.
• Help manage the organization, preparation, and loading of composite materials, ensuring they are ready for use during the manufacturing process.
• Aid the AFP Machine Operator during the production process, performing tasks such as adjusting tooling, monitoring material feeds, bagging for debulks and final bag, core placement and ensuring continuous operation.
• Collaborate with the AFP Machine Operator in conducting visual inspections of produced composite parts to identify defects and irregularities. Report any issues to the operator for corrective actions.
• Assist the AFP Machine Operator and maintenance technicians in routine machine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubricating, and basic troubleshooting.
• Keep track of composite material inventory, notifying the AFP Machine Operator when supplies need replenishment.
• Assist in maintaining accurate production records, including material usage, process parameters, and any other relevant data as required.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and the AFP Machine Operator.

Required Skills:

• Keen eye for detail to identify defects and ensure the accuracy of material handling and machine setup as well as machine operation to recognize potentials for crashing.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and handle moderate lifting when dealing with composite materials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to follow instructions and report any issues to the AFP Machine Operator.
• Collaborative mindset, working cooperatively with the AFP Machine Operator and other team members to achieve production goals.
• Eagerness to learn about automated fiber placement technology.
• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities as needed to support the manufacturing process.

Desired Skills:

• 2 years with aerospace composites manufacturing processes and materials would be advantageous.
• Previous experience working in the aerospace sector, even in a supporting role, would be beneficial.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to assist with simple machine maintenance tasks.
• Knowledge of safety practices within a manufacturing environment, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Experience operating CNC machines

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