Sliding fastener systems can include a fastener configured to fixedly attach to a first component having a first thermal expansion coefficient, a tray configured to fixedly attach to a second component having a second thermal expansion coefficient different from the first thermal expansion coefficient, the tray defining a sliding surface, and at least a portion of a locking element configured to engage with the fastener, the locking element having a base with a contact surface that movably contacts the sliding surface of the tray when the tray, the fastener, and the locking element fasten the first component and the second component together. The fastener and the locking element are configured to move with the first component and the tray is configured to move relative to the fastener and the locking element with the second component when there is a differential thermal expansion between the first and second components.