Job Description

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.

About the Role

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a meticulous CPV (Clean, Passivate, and Validate) Technician to join our Ground Support Equipment team in Briggs, TX. In this critical role, you'll ensure that fluid system components meet the stringent cleanliness standards required for aerospace operations, directly supporting the reliability and safety of our launch systems.

Working primarily in a controlled cleanroom environment, you'll perform precision cleaning, passivation, and validation of GSE fluid system components including tubing, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings. Every component you process contributes to preventing contamination-related failures in our rocket propulsion and fluid systems. This is a hands-on technical role where attention to detail, adherence to strict procedures, and commitment to quality standards are essential to mission success.

Key Responsibilities

Precision Cleaning Operations:

• Clean and passivate hardware using solvent/chemical, mechanical, ultrasonic, and precision cleaning methods
• Perform gross and precision cleaning of fluid system components including stainless steel tubing, valves, pipes, filters, fittings, and assemblies
• Operate ultrasonic cleaning baths for effective removal of particulates and contaminants
• Operate heated cleaning systems to remove oils, greases, and non-volatile residues
• Execute cleaning procedures in accordance with ISO 14952, ASTM G93, MIL-STD-1246, and other aerospace cleanliness standards
• Perform two-stage cleaning process: gross/visible cleaning followed by precision cleaning in controlled environment
• Select appropriate cleaning methods based on component material and intended use
• Ensure cleaning fluids are properly filtered and maintained per specifications

Passivation Processes:

• Perform chemical passivation on stainless steel components per ASTM A967 and ASTM A380 standards
• Prepare and maintain passivation solutions
• Monitor passivation bath temperatures, concentrations, and immersion times to meet specifications
• Execute thorough multi-stage rinsing procedures following passivation
• Handle chemical treatments safely with appropriate PPE and ventilation
• Document passivation parameters and maintain traceability records

Validation & Inspection:

• Inspect hardware using visual, UV light, borescope, microscopic particle count, or high-precision weighing methods
• Validate component cleanliness using microscopes and visual inspection techniques
• Perform particle count verification and non-volatile residue (NVR) testing
• Collect and filter rinse samples for cleanliness verification per Level 300A or customer-specified requirements
• Interpret inspection results against acceptance criteria and specifications
• Document inspection findings with photographs and detailed reports
• Reject and re-process components that fail cleanliness specifications

Material Handling & Packaging:

• Safely handle hardware utilizing overhead cranes, hoists, and associated lifting equipment
• Package accepted hardware and supplies for storage or shipment
• Seal cleaned and validated components in appropriate protective bags using heat sealers
• Implement double-bagging procedures for critical components per contamination control requirements
• Install end-caps and closures to maintain component cleanliness during transport and storage
• Apply proper identification labels and documentation to packaged components
• Handle components with proper contamination control procedures including glove protocols

Equipment Maintenance & Calibration:

• Perform shop-level maintenance and calibration of equipment such as pumps, tanks, filtration systems, scales, etc.
• Perform routine maintenance on sonic cleaning baths, heaters, and validation equipment
• Calibrate microscopes, measurement tools, and testing equipment per established schedules
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs with vendors or maintenance teams
• Maintain cleaning solution quality through filtration and monitoring
• Document equipment maintenance activities and maintain calibration records

Cleanroom Management:

• Conduct general housekeeping of CPV Lab and Certified Clean Room area
• Maintain cleanroom environment per ISO 14644-1 air cleanliness classification standards
• Monitor and document cleanroom environmental parameters including particle counts, temperature, humidity, and pressure differential
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of cleanroom surfaces, equipment, and facilities
• Ensure HEPA filtration systems are operating effectively
• Maintain cleanroom protocols including gowning procedures, material entry/exit controls, and FOD prevention
• Manage cleanroom consumables and supplies inventory
• Report and address cleanroom anomalies or cleanliness excursions

Documentation & Compliance:

• Complete detailed cleaning, passivation, and validation reports for each component
• Maintain traceability documentation linking components to cleaning procedures and test results
• Generate certificates of cleanliness and material certifications as required
• Interface with software systems, databases, Odoo, and Microsoft Office software for documentation and reporting
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management system requirements, as applicable
• Support audits by providing accurate records and process documentation
• Follow safety regulations and wear protective eyewear, steel toe boots, and other applicable personal protective equipment
• Follow ITAR/EAR requirements for handling controlled items

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED)
• Minimum 2 years of experience in precision cleaning, laboratory work, or aerospace manufacturing
• Experience working on fluid systems with applied chemistry fundamentals
• Experience working in cleanroom environments with understanding of contamination control principles
• Strong attention to detail with desire to solve problems and drive to resolve technical issues
• Ability to read and interpret technical procedures, specifications, and work instructions
• Proficiency with microscopes, borescopes, UV inspection equipment, and visual inspection tools
• Basic understanding of chemistry and chemical handling procedures, including titration methods
• Ability to follow strict safety protocols when handling acids and cleaning chemicals
• Manual dexterity for handling small components and operating precision equipment
• Good hand-eye coordination for microscope work and detailed inspection tasks
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interface with software systems like Odoo, Microsoft Excel, JIRA, and Confluence
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple components through the CPV process
• Strong work ethic, proven ability to follow direction, and meet expectations
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining quality standards
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends as needed to support project schedules
• Ability to lift items up to 40 lbs and use lifting equipment and machinery for heavier hardware
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee) due to ITAR/EAR requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Laboratory Science, Manufacturing Technology, or related field
• Prior experience in precision cleaning of aerospace, medical, or other precision components
• Prior experience inspecting aerospace mechanical components or fluid systems
• Experience with ASTM A967, ASTM A380, ASTM G93, or MIL-STD-1246 cleaning and passivation standards
• Knowledge of ISO 14644 cleanroom standards and ISO 14952 cleanliness levels for fluid systems
• Experience in aerospace, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or medical device cleanroom operations
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management system requirements
• Experience with particle counting equipment and non-volatile residue (NVR) testing
• Knowledge of stainless steel materials (304L, 316L) and surface treatments
• Understanding of oxygen cleaning requirements per ASTM G93
• Experience with heat sealing equipment and packaging procedures
• Experience with laser marking systems for hardware identification
• Certified crane operator or rigging certification
• Experience operating borescopes for internal inspection of tubes and components
• Certification in cleanroom operations or contamination control
• Experience with quality management software or ERP systems (Odoo experience a plus)
• Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
• Hazmat or chemical handling certification
• Previous experience in launch vehicle or spacecraft GSE operations

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to work primarily in cleanroom environment requiring adherence to strict gowning and contamination control protocols
• Standing for extended periods (up to 8 hours) while performing cleaning and inspection operations
• Sitting at microscope stations for extended periods during validation activities
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs regularly
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision equipment
• Good visual acuity (correctable to 20/20) and color vision for microscope inspection work
• Ability to wear cleanroom garments including full gowning, gloves, and face coverings for entire shift
• Required to wear steel toe boots, protective eyewear, and other applicable personal protective equipment
• Work with chemicals including acids and solvents requiring use of appropriate PPE (gloves, face shields, respirators, chemical-resistant clothing)
• Exposure to ultrasonic equipment noise (hearing protection provided)
• Flexibility to support varying shifts or extended hours during critical project phases

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on following procedures exactly and identifying microscopic contamination
• Quality Focus: Unwavering commitment to meeting aerospace cleanliness standards
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to understand and execute complex cleaning and chemical treatment procedures
• Problem-Solving: Strong desire to solve problems and drive to resolve technical issues
• Safety Consciousness: Strict adherence to chemical safety protocols and cleanroom procedures
• Documentation Skills: Thorough and accurate record-keeping for traceability and compliance
• Independence: Self-motivated to complete work with minimal supervision while maintaining standards
• Adaptability: Flexibility to learn new procedures and adjust to changing requirements
• Work Ethic: Strong commitment to meeting expectations and following direction

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational & relocation 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.