Staff Propulsion Engineer (Spacecraft)

Location: Fully onsite at the Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office. Remote work may be considered case by case for exceptionally qualified candidates within the U.S.; remote employees travel to a primary office approximately once a month. Travel of up to 20% to the Long Beach factory and vendor sites is expected.

Base salary: $185,000–$280,000 per year, plus equity and benefits.

Company

hirify.global develops autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors for space superiority and security.

What you will do

• Design, analyze, optimize, build, and test propulsion systems and components for advanced satellites.
• Develop propulsion and other spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight.
• Review system models, drawings, and piece-part designs.
• Collaborate with structural, mechanical, thermal, and avionics engineers to validate designs against mission requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts for design efficiency, manufacturability, and system performance.
• Present technical content to internal and external customers while mentoring propulsion engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional experience with launch or space vehicles.
• Experience with stage systems, rocket engines, flight valves, or detailed fluid system architecture and analysis.
• Propulsion testing experience including hot-fire or pressure testing, vehicle-level checkouts, and propellant loading.
• Experience with pressurization system sizing, water hammer analysis, pressure budgets, FMECAs, and FDIR architecture.
• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance and meet U.S. ITAR eligibility requirements.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in space systems development and production, valve or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing.
• 5+ years of project leadership experience.
• Experience with propulsion mechanisms, optical payloads, complex mechanical design, or full vehicle lifecycle development.
• Startup or similarly dynamic environment experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA/HRA options.
• Flexible Time Off or accrued PTO of up to 25 days, plus 12 paid holidays, parental leave, and sick leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, equity participation, catered lunches, and office snacks.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment focused on ambitious space technology and continuous improvement.