Senior Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion Systems and Integration (Aerospace)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States. The role requires eligibility under U.S. ITAR export regulations and authorization to work in the United States.

Salary: $140,000–$180,000 USD per year, plus performance incentives and equity.

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup developing autonomous, scalable defense platforms for the United States and its allies.

What you will do

• Own mechanical integration of propulsion systems from architecture and concept development through prototyping, testing, qualification, and production.
• Develop propulsion interfaces for engines, tanks, pumps, valves, regulators, plumbing, actuators, mounts, supports, and vehicle structures.
• Define packaging and installation architectures while balancing performance, mass, center of gravity, thermal environment, accessibility, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Perform first-order sizing and engineering analysis for propulsion hardware and resolve loads, vibration, thermal expansion, pressure, shock, and other dynamic interface conditions.
• Design and release flight hardware, prototypes, test fixtures, and ground support equipment using 3D CAD, drawings, GD&T, and engineering standards.
• Support installation, servicing, instrumentation, propulsion and vehicle-level testing, anomaly resolution, technical documentation, and post-test assessment.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical, aerospace, or propulsion engineering involving complex mechanical system development and integration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong 3D modeling and CAD skills, including GD&T according to ASME Y14.5; experience with NX or SolidWorks is relevant.
• Strong understanding of propulsion mechanical systems, including engines, fuel systems, tanks, pumps, valves, regulators, plumbing, mounts, and support hardware.
• Must meet U.S. ITAR eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. government authorizations.
• Available to work extended hours and weekends when required by development and test milestones.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Propulsion, or a related field.
• Experience with structural analysis, FEA, Thermal Desktop, or similar analytical tools.
• Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or C++ for modeling, simulation, and engineering analysis.
• Experience designing or integrating engine mounts, fuel tanks, pressure vessels, fluid lines, valves, pumps, regulators, manifolds, and related hardware.
• Familiarity with slosh dynamics and mitigation systems such as baffles, foam, and bladders.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup environment focused on rapid innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings and paid time off.
• Performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.