Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I

Location: Long Beach, California, United States. The role requires travel to test facilities and extended off-site work; US office candidates must meet ITAR eligibility or obtain the required US authorizations.

Base salary: $115,000–$173,000 USD annually. Total compensation including equity: $135,000–$208,000 USD annually.

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for commercial, scientific, and national security missions.

What you will do

• Plan, prepare, and execute engine and propulsion component testing across development, qualification, and production programs.
• Own test facilities, equipment, instrumentation, operations, data analysis, and reporting throughout the testing lifecycle.
• Set testing best practices and maintain standards for quality, compliance, and technical excellence.
• Review and sign off on test plans and reports, supporting risk-based engineering decisions.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, training, and mentorship on testing methodologies and processes.
• Communicate test results and engineering priorities with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or an equivalent high-performance field.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or another technical engineering discipline.
• Experience with engine test facilities and hot-fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operations, and data analysis.
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC.
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
• For US office roles, eligibility under ITAR regulations or the ability to obtain required US government authorizations is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with hypergolic propellants and flight or ground support equipment systems for hypergolic propellant service.
• Experience investigating and resolving root causes of testing or flight anomalies.
• Knowledge of aerospace testing such as vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing.
• Python for data manipulation, 1D fluid system modelling, and experience with government approvals or permitting.
• Master’s degree or PhD.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on ambitious space missions and real hardware development.
• Company stock and an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with HSA contribution.
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, fitness and gym benefits, snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.