Design and analyze ruggedized electronics packaging, electro-mechanical assemblies, and test fixtures for launch vehicles. Perform thermal, modal, and vibration analyses; develop CAD models, drawings, and documentation; support environmental test campaigns and collaborate with PCB and integration teams.
ABOUT
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.
SUMMARY
Firefly Avionics Mechanical Engineers will leverage their creative design and experience to develop electronics enclosures, mechanical components, integration hardware, tooling, and test fixtures for launch vehicles. Qualified candidates will be responsible for design, analysis, hands-on build/integration, and support of environmental testing. You will be part of the avionics team and will work closely and collaborate with all other teams across the company.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design ruggedized electronics packaging and structural components for PCB assemblies used for launch vehicle and spacecraft applications
- Design electro-mechanical assemblies for thermal and dynamic environments, EMI/EMC compatibility, and radiation resistance
- Perform thermal analyses (steady state thermal and thermal cycling) of electronics in aerospace environments
- Perform modal and vibration analyses of electronic assemblies with mechanical/structural components
- In addition to electronics packaging, candidate will be responsible for design of test fixturing and ground support hardware for launch vehicle and spacecraft electronics
- Support vibration, shock, and thermal test campaigns of products designed
- Candidate will be responsible for development of CAD designs, part drawings, assembly drawings, and technical documentation including presentations and reports
- Work with the PCB design team to specify mounting strategies, mechanical keep outs, hole size and spacing, PCB copper weights, connector type and placement, and thermal interfaces to the PCB assembly
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of engineering experience designing electronics packaging and electro-mechanical assemblies via internships, professional industry experience, or academia
- 3+ years of 3D CAD design and drafting experience
Desired
- Hands on experience with design and integration of electronics packaging
- Proficiency with NX or similar CAD software and analysis tools such as ANSYS
- Experience with multi-layer PCBA enclosure design
- Experience with various design features and calculations for mechanical packaging of electronics including vent analyses, EMI/EMC mitigation strategies, multi-component tolerance stack-up calculations, bolt load calculations, Steinberg PCB solder joint fatigue, etc.
- Understanding of basic subsystems of a launch vehicle and how avionics integrate within the vehicle and interface with instrumentation
- Experience designing for CNC machining and sheet metal production, as well as selecting appropriate materials and finishing processes
- Experience with environmental analysis and test including thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, shock, and vibration
- Understanding and knowledge of GD&T
Firefly Aerospace Cedar Park, Texas, USA Office
Cedar Park, TX, United States
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Perform hands-on mechanical design, analysis, and integration for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment from concept through production. Produce CAD models and GD&T drawings, validate designs via calculations and FEA, support testing and field operations, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to deliver buildable, reliable systems.
Top Skills:
3D CadCatiaFeaGd&TNxSolidworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, install, and integrate aircraft mechanical systems and components. Create 3D CAD models, installation layouts, and detailed drawings. Manage PLM/BOM data, apply GD&T and tolerance stack-ups, support prototypes and production, perform root cause analysis, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure manufacturable, maintainable aircraft hardware.
Top Skills:
3DexperienceAsme Y14.5BomCatiaCreoEwisFeaGd&TNxPlmSolidworksTeamcenterWindchill
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Perform hands-on mechanical design, analysis, and integration for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment across the product lifecycle. Create CAD models and GD&T drawings, validate designs via calculations/FEA, collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program teams, and provide technical support during testing and field operations.
Top Skills:
3D CadAsmeAstmAvionicsCatiaFeaGd&THydraulicsIsoMil-StdNxPower DistributionSolidworks
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
