Merritt D'Elia in

Merritt D'Elia

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Director, Propulsion Engineering at Firefly Aerospace
📍 Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area, United States

Merritt DElia is the Director of Propulsion Engineering at Firefly Aerospace, where he has risen through multiple roles, including leading the development of the Miranda and Vira rocket engines. He is an engineering graduate from Syracuse University and has also studied Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines, shaping his expertise in advanced propulsion systems.

Merritt shows a strong passion for hands-on engineering and building effective teams. He recently relocated to Boulder, CO, while taking on a new role within Firefly, and is actively involved in recruiting top engineering talent for the companys launch vehicle and spacecraft programs.

He is a recipient of the William Pell Inventors Award, which was granted for his senior group design project at Syracuse University.

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Experience
12 Years
Current Role
Director, Propulsion Engineering
Job Level
Mid-senior
Location
Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area, United States
Personality Overview

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Decision Approach
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Priorities

Topics Merritt cares about

Rocket Engine Development
Serves as the responsible engineer and technical lead for Firefly's Miranda and Vira liquid rocket engines, owning the full development lifecycle.
Engineering Leadership
Actively recruits and manages engineering teams, emphasizing "extreme ownership" and hands-on leadership to advance propulsion projects for landers and spacecraft.
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Career

Work history

9-2024
Director, Propulsion Engineering
Firefly Aerospace
6-2022 - 9-2024
Manager, MLV Propulsion
Firefly Aerospace
6-2021 - 7-2022
Manager, Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering
Firefly Aerospace
12-2019 - 6-2021
Lead Engineer - propellant systems
Firefly Aerospace
3-2019 - 12-2019
Fluid Systems Engineer
Firefly Aerospace
In the press

Media appearances

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Education
2010 - 2015
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science
Space Resources
Colorado School of Mines
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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