Mechanisms Engineer III (Spacecraft)

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to develop mechanical separation and interfacing systems throughout the product life cycle. The engineer will join a skilled, dynamic team and contribute to analysis, design, fabrication, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms and structures. Strong collaboration and communication skills and a positive attitude are important. The role owns the hardware lifecycle for moving mechanical assemblies and structures on a mission to the Moon, from requirements development and concept design through production, qualification, and compliance demonstration.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
At least 8 years of demonstrated professional experience in aerospace or a related mechanical engineering field.
Strong design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software; Siemens NX is preferred.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and provide technical guidance and insight.
Experience with industry FEA/FEM tools such as Nastran, ANSYS, or FEMAP.
Experience designing and analyzing composite and metallic structures.
Good understanding of engineering fundamentals across mechanical, structural dynamics, materials, fluids/thermodynamics, and electrical disciplines.
Drive for independent learning.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under applicable space technology export regulations.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and/or at least 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, such as Bruhn, Niu, Roark, and Shigley's.
Previous experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft mechanisms.
Working knowledge of at least one computer or scripting language at a professional or hobbyist level.

Responsibilities

Own the entire hardware lifecycle for moving mechanical assemblies and structures on a mission to the Moon.
Develop and scrub requirements.
Support configuration development and trade studies.
Perform conceptual design and analysis.
Perform first-order strength and sizing calculations for responsible mechanisms.
Generate CAD, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and other documentation.
Support production implementation.
Develop hardware and define qualification tests.
Demonstrate compliance with NASA, Space Force, or other relevant launch jurisdiction standards.
Collaborate with the team to develop and improve processes related to these responsibilities.