Space Planning Manager - Facilities

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.??

The Space Planning Manager leads all facility space planning, utilization, and workplace strategy initiatives for the organization's aerospace facilities. This role partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Safety, and Executive Leadership to optimize physical environments that support mission-critical programs, regulatory compliance, and long-range growth objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead enterprise-wide space planning strategy across all aerospace campus and leased facilities
• Develop and maintain space allocation models, utilization dashboards, and occupancy forecasts
• Coordinate moves, adds, and changes (MACs) across laboratory, cleanroom and office.
• Partner with Real Estate, Capital Projects, and EHS teams on facility expansion and renovation programs
• Provide space planning input during design and construction phases of new and modified facilities
• Ensure planning deliverables comply with OSHA, FAA, NFPA, and applicable aerospace industry standards
• Own and administer the Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS / CAFM) platform
• Maintain accurate CAD / BIM floor plans and as-built documentation
• Generate regular reporting on seat utilization, vacancy rates, and capacity planning metrics
• Lead a team of space planners, set performance goals and develop staff
• Manage vendor relationships for furniture, modular systems, and space planning consultants
• Develop and enforce space planning standards, design guidelines, and workplace policies
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to evaluate and process additional square footage requests
• Assess production floor, assembly, and support space needs against current utilization data and growth projections
• Prepare justification packages, space studies, and layout options to support capital authorization requests
• Coordinate with EHS and Industrial Engineering on workflow, equipment clearance, and safety compliance for expanded manufacturing areas

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, or related discipline
• 7+ years of progressive facilities / space planning experience
• 3+ years of experience managing teams in a complex, multi-site environment
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit; experience with CAFM platforms (e.g., Archibus, Office Space, etc)
• Demonstrated knowledge of building codes, ADA, and life safety regulations
• Strong project management skills; PMP or CFM certification a plus

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with cleanroom / controlled environment space planning requirements
• LEED AP, CFM, or MCR credential
• Experience with capital project planning and tenant improvement (TI) buildouts