Firefly Space Systems

Mechanical Engineer IV (Spacecraft Mechanisms)

Firefly Space Systems$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in aerospace or mechanical engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience.
  • Proficient in 3-D CAD software, preferably Siemens NX.
  • Ability to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams and provide technical insights.
  • Experienced with FEA/FEM tools like Nastran or ANSYS.
  • Knowledgeable in designing and analyzing composite and metallic structures.
  • Solid understanding of engineering principles across various disciplines.
  • Strong motivation for continuous learning.

Responsibilities

  • Participate in the full lifecycle of hardware design for mechanical assemblies.
  • Develop and refine product requirements.
  • Support configurations and conduct trade studies.
  • Engage in conceptual design and analysis activities.
  • Perform strength and sizing calculations for mechanisms.
  • Create CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and specifications.
  • Define hardware development and qualification test procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with NASA and Space Force standards.

Benefits

  • Generous health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles.
  • Parental leave provided for new parents.
  • Educational reimbursement for further professional development.
  • Short term disability coverage included.
  • Flexible PTO options to support work-life balance.
Full Job Description
SUMMARY

Firefly is looking for an experienced mechanical engineer to develop our state-of-the-art mechanical separation and interfacing systems throughout the product life cycle. You will be part of a highly skilled, dynamic team that will involve you in all aspects of analysis, design, fabrication, and testing. Excellent collaboration and communication skills, along with a positive attitude are critical.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Participate in entire hardware lifecycle for a variety of moving mechanical assemblies and structures.
  • Develop and scrub requirements
  • Support configuration development and trade studies.
  • Conceptual design/analysis
  • Perform first-order strength and sizing calculations for your responsible mechanisms.
  • Generate CAD, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and other documentation.
  • Production Implementation
  • Hardware development and qualification test definition
  • Demonstrate compliance with NASA, Space Force, or other relevant launch jurisdiction standards
  • Collaborate with team to develop and improve processes related to above responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required
  • B.S. degree in aerospace or mechanical and 8+ years' demonstrated professional experience in aerospace or related mechanical engineering field
  • Strong design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Siemens NX preferable)
  • Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight
  • Experience with industry FEA/FEM tools like Nastran, ANSYS, FEMAP, etc.
  • Experience designing and analyzing composite and metallic structure.
  • Good understanding of first principles from variety of engineering disciplines (mechanical, structural dynamics, materials, fluids/thermodynamics, electrical)
  • Drive for independent learning.

Desired
  • M.S. degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and/or 10+ years of relevant experience
  • Working knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, material selection, and testing.
  • Experience developing physical tests to validate analysis and evaluate assumptions
  • Familiarity with aerospace standard structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, Shigley's, etc)
  • Previous experience in launch vehicle or spacecraft mechanisms.
  • Working knowledge of at least one computer/scripting language at the professional or hobbyist level.


Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

About Firefly Space Systems

Firefly Space Systems was an American aerospace manufacturer based in Cedar Park, Texas. The company was founded in 2013 with the goal of developing low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. Firefly's Alpha rocket was designed to carry payloads of up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The company was acquired by EOS Launcher in 2017 and is now known as Firefly Aerospace. Firefly Aerospace is continuing the development of the Alpha rocket and is also working on a larger rocket called Beta, which is designed to carry payloads of up to 8,000 kg to low Earth orbit. Firefly Aerospace is committed to providing affordable access to space for small satellite operators.
Learn more about Firefly Space Systems
Industry
Founded
2013

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