Overview
Thermal Engineer III (Spacecraft) at Firefly Aerospace focuses on applying simulation skills and heat transfer knowledge to solve complex cross-discipline problems encountered during launch vehicle and spacecraft design, development, and operations. The role involves addressing intense thermal radiation, aero heating, cryogenics, and vacuum to ensure vehicles meet customer requirements and external safety standards while supporting evolution of the vehicle thermal systems.
Responsibilities
- Determines effective analytical approaches for executing vehicle-level trade studies
- Owns vehicle level spacecraft thermal models
- Creates sub-models for key thermal events to capture effects of engine & plume radiation, lunar regolith modeling, and other phenomena
- Develops thermal control solutions involving Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), radiator covers, and other thermal control system technologies while assessing impacts to mission cost, schedule, and risk
- Coordinates thermal environments and vehicle design with customers (NASA, ESA, commercial, etc.)
- Responsible for updating and correlating models based on thermal test data
- Documents analysis and tests for review by responsible engineers, peers, and customers
Qualifications
Required
B.S. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related fieldExperience with Thermal DesktopAbility to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical reportsStrong first principles grasp of heat transfer mechanismsFamiliar with spacecraft thermal control methods, hardware, technologiesExperience with industry analytical simulation tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, NASTRAN, COMSOL, SIMCENTER3DWorking knowledge of Python, MATLAB, MS ExcelExperience with thermal testing equipment and proceduresStrong design and integration skills using 3D CAD softwareDemonstrated ability to address multi-tiered analytical problems and effectively communicate resultsDesired
Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering5+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aircraft or space vehicles during all phases of conceptual design through flightExperience with ANSYS SpaceClaim, NX 3D Modeling, NX Space Systems ThermalExperience developing physical tests to correlate and validate analysisExperience creating MLI layups, heater circuit design, active thermal control mechanisms, advanced spacecraft TCS technologiesDemonstrated experience with Thermal Desktop or ANSYSExposure to analysis or research planning at a program level, understanding where analysis fits into the greater development roadmapFamiliarity with GSFC-STD-7001B, SMC-S-016, RCC-319, Spacecraft Payload requirementsUnderstanding of advanced thermal-related phenomena such as combustion, diffuse thermal radiation, spectroscopyBenefits
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.
Compliance
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.
Equal Opportunity
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin / ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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