Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer - Lead & Innovate

Firefly Aerospace; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Educational reimbursement

Relocation benefits

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead spacecraft thermal analyses across multiple programs. You will own the architecture and validation of integrated thermal models, and drive design decisions with innovative methods and automated workflows.

The role requires deep expertise in heat transfer, extensive use of Thermal Desktop, and strong programming skills in Python/MATLAB. You will mentor teammates and represent the thermal team in reviews and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace/ mechanical/ physics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal analyses that drive major vehicle design decisions across multiple spacecraft programs.
• Own the architecture, validation, and long-term maintenance of integrated spacecraft thermal models.
• Develop innovative analytical methods and workflows to improve team capability and efficiency.
• Lead thermal trade studies involving mission environments and cryogenics.
• Define strategies supporting conceptual design through flight.
• Organize and lead testing, including thermal vacuum testing.
• Serve as the point of contact for the thermal control subsystem during launch operations.
• Mentor and review work of thermal engineers across experience levels.
• Represent Thermal Engineering during customer reviews and design reviews.

Skills

Spacecraft thermal analysis

Thermal Desktop

Python

MATLAB

Technical leadership

Strong communication

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Physics or related field

M.S. or Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Industry-standard thermal analysis software

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead spacecraft thermal analyses across multiple programs. You will own the architecture and validation of integrated thermal models, and drive design decisions with innovative methods and automated workflows.

The role requires deep expertise in heat transfer, extensive use of Thermal Desktop, and strong programming skills in Python/MATLAB. You will mentor teammates and represent the thermal team in reviews and customer engagements.