Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer (Hypersonic CFD)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain the required security clearance. The role is limited to U.S. persons authorized to access export-controlled technology.

Salary: $140,333–$179,314 per year, plus potential stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Company

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

What you will do

• Own aerodynamic and aeroheating database development across the full flight envelope, from rarefied entry through hypersonic maneuvering and subsonic terminal approach.
• Plan, execute, and reduce wind tunnel campaign data, reconcile test results with CFD predictions, and maintain traceable vehicle database revisions.
• Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations using tools including Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, and CBAero.
• Develop meshes in Pointwise, characterize static and dynamic stability, and create 6DOF simulation inputs and flight-rule contributions.
• Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments, updating models based on flight results.
• Collaborate with GNC, structures, TPS, and mission planning teams to deliver flight-ready aeroscience products.

Requirements

• BS degree in engineering or physics with 6+ years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Meaningful contribution to the aerodynamic development of a hypersonic vehicle that has flown or is expected to fly within the next five years.
• Experience analyzing and rigorously documenting aerodynamic data from testing, CFD, flight, and other sources.
• Experience with hypersonic and subsonic CFD and DSMC simulations, plus structured and unstructured mesh generation in Pointwise.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship, U.S. work authorization, and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance are required.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering focused on aerodynamics or fluid mechanics.
• Hands-on wind tunnel campaign experience, including planning, execution, and data reduction.
• Experience owning aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for flying vehicles.
• Experience with POST2 or similar 6DOF tools, TPS sizing, flight reconstruction, or post-flight performance evaluation.
• Technical breadth across GNC, avionics, software, and structures.

Culture & Benefits

• Regular full-time employment with flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• 12 weeks of parental leave, family-building support, and sponsored One Medical memberships.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% immediately vested employer match and incentive equity.
• Relocation support for new hires when needed, plus wellness and cell phone reimbursements.
• On-site meals, team events, mission-success celebrations, and complimentary EV charging.