Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect (Remote)
Firefly Aerospace · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Architect spacecraft electrical power systems.
- Manage power budgets and perform analyses.
- Lead testing and verification efforts.
- Support spacecraft integration and operations.
- Mentor junior power systems engineers.
About the role
Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company dedicated to enabling our world to launch, land, and operate in space. As a key partner for critical space missions, Firefly is distinguished by its ability to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and its achievement of a successful Moon landing. Our comprehensive suite of launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles offers government and commercial clients full mission services extending from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. With headquarters in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is actively seeking driven and innovative individuals to join our expanding team and contribute to our continued success in the space industry.Summary
The Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect will be instrumental in defining the architecture, managing power budgets, conducting analyses, and ensuring the verification of the spacecraft Electrical Power System (EPS). This role involves leading efforts in power generation, storage, distribution, and regulation, alongside performing radiation analysis, requirements engineering, and environmental qualification to support all mission phases. Prior spacecraft experience is highly preferred.Responsibilities
- Own the end-to-end EPS architecture, power budget development, allocation, and margin management across all mission phases.
- Conduct comprehensive power system analyses, including radiation effects, trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and worst-case analyses.
- Develop, flow down, and verify power system requirements and ensure seamless cross-subsystem interfaces.
- Lead verification, qualification, and acceptance test plans, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and GEVS-compliant environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, dynamics).
- Support vehicle Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT), launch integration, and on-orbit operations.
- Identify necessary tasks, resources, and schedules to achieve power system objectives.
- Mentor junior engineers in power architecture and systems engineering best practices.
Qualifications
Required- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in aerospace systems development, testing, integration, or operations.
- 5+ years of experience in spacecraft power systems engineering and power budget management.
- Demonstrated experience in systems requirements development, verification, and power analyses (including radiation effects).
- Hands-on experience with power system testing and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in Python for modeling, analysis, or automation.
- Proactive self-starter with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Direct experience with spacecraft EPS (solar arrays, batteries, PCDU) from concept through on-orbit operations.
- Familiarity with NASA GEVS or SMC-S-016 environmental testing standards.
- Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis, or root cause analysis.
- Knowledge of spacecraft grounding, bonding, and Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) at the system level.
- Experience with V-model methodology or project management.
Work Environment & Expectations
This position is primarily remote, offering flexibility in daily work arrangements. However, all employees are required to be onsite in Cedar Park, TX for their initial week of orientation and onboarding. Furthermore, this role necessitates quarterly onsite attendance in Cedar Park, TX for crucial team collaboration, strategic planning sessions, and key business initiatives. Candidates must be amenable to periodic travel and in-person engagement as an integral part of the role. Firefly Aerospace provides comprehensive benefits, including generous health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short-term disability coverage, and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) options. To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain necessary U.S. Department of State authorizations. Key skills/competency:- Spacecraft Power Systems Architecture
- Electrical Power Systems (EPS)
- Power Budget Management
- Systems Requirements Engineering
- Radiation Analysis
- Environmental Testing (GEVS, Thermal Vacuum, Vibration)
- Python for Engineering Analysis
- Aerospace Systems Development
- Systems Integration and Testing
- Spacecraft Operations
Skills & topics
- Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Spacecraft Power Systems
- EPS
- Power Budget
- Radiation Analysis
- Systems Engineering
- Python
- Remote
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 7+ years in aerospace systems and 5+ years in spacecraft power systems, emphasizing power budget management and radiation analysis.
- Showcase technical skills: Detail your Python proficiency for modeling/analysis and hands-on experience with power system testing and troubleshooting.
- Address requirements explicitly: Ensure your application clearly states your B.S. in a relevant field and experience with requirements development and verification.
- Prepare for onsite requirements: Be ready to discuss your comfort with initial onboarding and quarterly onsite visits in Cedar Park, TX.
- Highlight collaboration and problem-solving: Emphasize your proactive, self-starter nature and strong communication skills in your application and interviews.
Technical preparation
Master spacecraft EPS principles: solar arrays, batteries, PCDUs.,Practice power budget analysis and margin calculations.,Develop Python scripts for power system modeling.,Study radiation effects on electronic components.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex power system problem you solved.,How do you manage competing project priorities?,Explain your approach to mentoring junior engineers.,How do you ensure clear cross-subsystem communication?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect role at Firefly Aerospace?
- This is a primarily remote position, offering significant flexibility. However, candidates must be available to work onsite in Cedar Park, TX for their first week of onboarding and for quarterly team collaboration and planning sessions.
- What are the key technical requirements for the Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect position?
- You'll need a B.S. in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering, 7+ years in aerospace systems, and 5+ years specifically in spacecraft power systems engineering. Experience with power budget management, radiation analysis, requirements verification, and hands-on power system testing is essential. Python proficiency is also required.
- Does Firefly Aerospace sponsor work visas for this Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect role?
- To comply with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), this role requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or eligible to obtain necessary U.S. Department of State authorizations. Sponsorship details are not provided but ITAR restrictions typically limit sponsorship.
- What is the expected travel for the Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect?
- While the role is primarily remote, periodic travel is expected, specifically for quarterly onsite attendance in Cedar Park, TX for team collaboration, planning, and key business initiatives. You should be comfortable with this requirement.
- What benefits does Firefly Aerospace offer for this role?
- Firefly Aerospace provides generous benefits, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short-term disability, and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) options.
- How important is previous spacecraft experience for the Senior Spacecraft Power Systems Architect job?
- Previous spacecraft experience is preferred and highly valuable for this role. Demonstrating direct experience with spacecraft EPS components like solar arrays, batteries, and PCDUs from concept through operations, as well as familiarity with environmental testing standards, will strengthen your application.