AFP Manufacturing Engineer II-Composites
Firefly Aerospace · Briggs, TX
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 3 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Firefly Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Briggs, TX.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Root cause, Automation, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $79k–$132k.
Median of the low and high ends of 33 live postings that list pay, out of 148 manufacturing engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 147 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $79k–$132k, from 33 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 57%
- ✓ Root cause 51%
- ✓ Lean 39%
- ✓ New product launch 39%
- ✓ Automation 34%
- ✓ Six Sigma 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Black Belt, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Firefly Aerospace
We found 3 people at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role, 2 leaders, plus 2 likely hiring managers. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Bradley → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Firefly Aerospace in Briggs
13 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in manufacturing roles at Firefly Aerospace.
- Composites Manufacturing Engineer Lead · Manufacturing · Manager
- Composites Manufacturing Engineer III · Manufacturing · Senior
- Manufacturing Engineer III-Composites · Manufacturing · Senior
- Composites Manufacturing Engineer II-Alternate Shift Option · Manufacturing
- Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing · Manager
- Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer III · Manufacturing · Senior
Full description from Firefly AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Oversee the development AFP ply programs for composite parts using Ingersoll Gen2, (VCP) Vericut Composite Programming, and (VCS) Vericut Composite Simulation programming tools and simulation software, ensuring conformance to design intent and manufacturing constraints
- ◆Translate engineering models, ply books, and lamination schedules into executable AFP paths with accurate fiber orientation, coverage, and boundaries
- ◆Support Ingersoll machine setup, calibration, and laser alignment for first article and repeatable production runs
- ◆Analyze and optimize machine pathing to minimize defects (e.g., gaps, overlaps, tow steering errors), improve machine efficiency, and extend tool life
- ◆Review and validate AFP programs with simulations and dry runs, working alongside operators during production start-ups
- ◆Collaborate with design engineering to provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback for composite parts intended for AFP
- ◆Investigate and resolve machine and process-related issues, working cross-functionally with maintenance and Ingersoll technical support as needed
- ◆Participate in tooling design reviews to ensure compatibility with AFP head dimensions, access, and laser projection systems
- ◆Implement and document process improvements, material usage reductions, and automation enhancements
- ◆Work with facilities team to enhance critical spares documentation and write PM plans.
- ◆Develop and maintain standard work instructions, AFP best practices, and process documentation
- ◆Support audits, root cause investigations, and corrective actions involving AFP-manufactured parts
- ◆Maintains composure under pressure while successfully managing multiple deadlines
- ◆Being at work on time and maintaining good attendance is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job
- ◆Must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in the English language
Required
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering field.
- ✓5 years experience in carbon fiber composite aerospace manufacturing
- ✓Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly become an expert on complex hardware.
- ✓Automated Fiber Placement experience
- ✓Experience with interrogating machine efficiency and implementing process improvements to reduce time and waste.
- ✓Proficiency in CAD software and AFP Programming.
- ✓Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- ✓Demonstrated track record of driving process improvements and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
- ✓High level of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging work environment.
- ✓Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
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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About firefly aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to 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
The Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Engineer is responsible for the development, and optimization of automated composite layup processes and overseeing the AFP programming process using Ingersoll AFP systems. This role supports production and engineering by generating precise ply programs, improving part quality, reducing cycle time, and troubleshooting AFP-related issues in the manufacture of complex aerospace components. The AFP Engineer works closely with design engineering, NC programming, operations, quality, and maintenance teams.
The following essential job functions are performed as an Automated Fiber Placement Engineer:
Desired
- +5+ years working in a aerospace manufacturing or engineering environment with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or similar area.
- +Experience with capital equipment implementation.
- +Master's degree is a plus.
- +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, relocation benefits, 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.