Lead Avionics Mechanical Engineer - Spaceflight Packaging

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for Avionics packaging in Cedar Park, Texas. You will own complex electronics enclosures, mechanical components, and test fixtures for launch vehicles, guiding design from concept through qualification testing and production.

As a lead, you will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and drive design reviews (PDR, CDR) while ensuring mission success in extreme spaceflight environments.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing high-reliability electronics packaging and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Proven NX CAD and GD&T expertise.
• Track record delivering complex electro-mechanical products from concept to qualification and production.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of ruggedized electronics packaging and structural components for PCB assemblies used in launch vehicle and spacecraft applications.
• Design and optimize complex electro‑mechanical assemblies for extreme thermal and dynamic environments, EMI/EMC compatibility, and radiation resistance.
• Perform and review advanced thermal analyses (steady‑state, transient, and thermal cycling) of electronics in space environments.
• Perform and review modal, random vibration, and shock analyses of electronic assemblies to ensure structural integrity during launch.
• Oversee the design of high‑reliability test fixturing and ground support equipment (GSE) for launch vehicle and spacecraft electronics.
• Define, execute, and lead vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) environmental test campaigns for product qualification and acceptance.
• Drive the creation of CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation; lead formal design reviews (PDR, CDR) and present to leadership.
• Partner closely with the PCB design team to establish mounting strategies, keep‑outs, tolerance stack‑ups, connector placement, and advanced thermal management solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid‑level engineers, establishing design best practices and reviewing their technical work.

Skills

3D CAD (NX)

Electro-mechanical design

Thermal analysis

Aerospace experience

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

FEA (ANSYS)

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for Avionics packaging in Cedar Park, Texas. You will own complex electronics enclosures, mechanical components, and test fixtures for launch vehicles, guiding design from concept through qualification testing and production.

As a lead, you will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and drive design reviews (PDR, CDR) while ensuring mission success in extreme spaceflight environments.