Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II — Modeling & Control

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Thermal Engineer to lead subsystem and vehicle-level thermal analyses, develop validated models, and influence design decisions through rigorous analysis across multiple programs.

The role requires relocation to the Austin area and involves coordinating thermal environments with internal teams and customers, developing MLI and radiator strategies, and supporting launch operations with thermal control expertise.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Willing to relocate to the greater Austin area
• Approximately 3-8 years of spacecraft or aerospace thermal analysis experience
• Strong experience with Thermal Desktop and related thermal analysis software
• Strong understanding of spacecraft thermal control systems
• Experience correlating analytical models with test data
• Working knowledge of Python and MATLAB
• Excellent technical communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex engineering analyses

Responsibilities

• Independently develop and maintain subsystem and vehicle-level spacecraft thermal models.
• Own thermal analyses from model setup through documentation with minimal oversight.
• Execute thermal trade studies supporting design, integration, testing, and mission operations.
• Develop thermal control solutions including MLI, radiator sizing, heater strategies, coatings, and other passive and active thermal control technologies.
• Coordinate thermal environments with internal engineering teams and external customers.
• Organize and support testing, including vehicle-level thermal vacuum testing.
• Support the thermal control subsystem on console during launch operations.
• Correlate analytical models using thermal vacuum and environmental test data.
• Break large analytical efforts into actionable tasks while managing priorities across multiple programs.
• Document analysis results for internal and customer design reviews.
• Mentor entry-level engineers by reviewing models, analyses, and reports.
• Identify model sensitivities, uncertainties, and technical risks while recommending mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to process improvements, automation, and modeling best practices.

Skills

Thermal Desktop

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Technical communication

Independent analysis

NASA standards familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Master's degree

Tools

ANSYS SpaceClaim

NX

Simcenter

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Thermal Engineer to lead subsystem and vehicle-level thermal analyses, develop validated models, and influence design decisions through rigorous analysis across multiple programs.

The role requires relocation to the Austin area and involves coordinating thermal environments with internal teams and customers, developing MLI and radiator strategies, and supporting launch operations with thermal control expertise.