Launch and Recovery Engineering Manager (Aerospace)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States

Salary: $170,280–$245,960 per year, plus potential stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Company

hirify.global develops commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses.

What you will do

• Define launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface requirements through mission lifecycle reviews and launch service agreement execution.
• Own technical and regulatory deliverables covering mission integration, dynamics models, mass properties, interfaces, separation analysis, range safety, FAA/FCC licensing, hazardous procedures, and launch-site integration.
• Lead launch-site integration and test activities for multiple vehicles and coordinate with launch providers, subsystem teams, mission operations, and senior leadership.
• Develop capsule recovery concepts, plans, and procedures, including direct participation in recovery operations at the Australian Koonibba test range and future sites.
• Build and manage a launch and recovery engineering team, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and work prioritization.
• Perform system-level technical and cost trade studies to support additional launch vehicles and a cadence of 12+ vehicles per year.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, with typically 5–10+ years of systems, integration, and/or test experience.
• Experience in people management or technical leadership, including leading, mentoring, and developing engineers.
• Strong understanding of satellite systems engineering and launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interfaces.
• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 requirements covering propulsion, structures, avionics, mechanisms, and software.
• Experience leading complex launch vehicle or satellite programs and hands-on experience building, testing, or operating spacecraft.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and qualify as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled technology.

Nice to have

• M.S. degree in engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Active or eligible Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Proficiency in C++ or Python.
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle flight hardware, separation systems, qualification testing, or high-cadence manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Unigraphics NX or similar CAD software.

Culture & Benefits

• Regular full-time employment with flexible paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• Parental leave, family-building support, wellness reimbursement, and sponsored One Medical memberships.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% immediately vested employer match and relocation support if needed.
• Daily lunch, twice-weekly dinner, team events, mission-success celebrations, and complimentary EV charging.