Lead Mechanical Engineer - Avionics & Space Hardware

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks a qualified Avionics Mechanical Engineer to own complex electronics packaging for launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will lead design architectures, perform thermal and structural analyses, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities include driving qualification testing, developing CAD models, and mentoring junior engineers while applying rigorous GD&T and manufacturing methods for spaceflight environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in high reliability electronics packaging and electromechanical assemblies.
• 3D CAD design with NX preferred and GD&T proficiency.
• Experience taking complex electro-mechanical products from concept through environmental qualification.
• Proficiency with NX CAD and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Experience with multi-layer PCBA enclosure design and thermal interfaces.
• Strong thermal/structural calculations, EMI/EMC, shielding, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods for spaceflight environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of ruggedized electronics packaging for PCB assemblies in launch vehicle and spacecraft applications.
• Perform thermal, modal, random vibration, and shock analyses; review and validate results.
• Oversee test fixture and GSE design; lead TVAC campaigns for qualification.
• Drive CAD models, drawings, documentation, and design reviews; present to leadership.
• Collaborate with PCB design teams on mounting strategies, tolerances, and thermal management.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish design best practices; interface with external vendors as needed.

Skills

Rugged electronics packaging

Electro-mechanical design

Thermal management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Related technical field

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS

3D CAD design

Job description

Firefly Aerospace seeks a qualified Avionics Mechanical Engineer to own complex electronics packaging for launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will lead design architectures, perform thermal and structural analyses, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities include driving qualification testing, developing CAD models, and mentoring junior engineers while applying rigorous GD&T and manufacturing methods for spaceflight environments.