Senior Development Engineer - Neutron (Aerospace)

Location: Auckland, New Zealand; onsite role in a New Zealand office

Company

hirify.global develops rockets, spacecraft, and critical aerospace subsystems, including the Neutron launch vehicle and its launch and test infrastructure.

What you will do

• Produce and rapidly iterate conceptual CAD designs for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Lead testing of metallic components and integrated structural, mechanical, and fluid assemblies.
• Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and process and document test data against functional and performance requirements.
• Develop and execute tests to characterise structural materials, interfaces, and subcomponents.
• Design test jigs and fixtures for component fabrication, assembly, and development testing.
• Identify technical challenges, improve designs and manufacturing processes based on test outcomes, and mentor junior engineers.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering.
• 5+ years of experience developing and testing high-performance mechanical systems, focused on structures and/or mechanisms.
• Experience selecting, setting up, post-processing, and interpreting static and dynamic test instrumentation, including load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, and pressure transducers.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, with strong communication, analytical, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
• For the New Zealand office, background and nationality checks apply because the role requires access to equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR.
• Applicants may be ineligible for the New Zealand role if they do not hold eligible citizenship or have ineligible dual citizenship or nationality under the stated ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite structures, large-scale structural testing, cryogenic systems, pressurised systems, or moving mechanical assemblies.
• CAD experience with NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Experience with Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar product lifecycle management software.
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition systems and programming in C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Experience writing or reviewing safety risk assessments.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on real aerospace hardware and meaningful space missions.
• Collaborative environment with strong teamwork, technical ownership, and mutual support.
• Fast-paced work focused on delivery, innovation, and high-quality execution.
• Work involves tight deadlines, complex technical challenges, and continuous improvement.