Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Long Beach, California, United States; based at Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, Virginia, United States. This is an on-site launch operations role and may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes.

Base salary: $107,000–$147,000 USD annually. Total compensation, including equity: $149,000–$174,000 USD annually.

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems, including the reusable Neutron launch vehicle and HASTE hypersonic test platform.

What you will do

• Lead engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure supporting Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Operate as the Mission Control console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop CONOPS, test plans, operational procedures, checklists, HMIs, and Neutron ground systems testing campaigns.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, mission rehearsals, operator qualification programs, and training matrices.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and post-test or post-launch data analysis, leading root-cause analysis and corrective actions for anomalies.
• Manage operational projects, coordinate across disciplines, and serve as the technical authority for ground systems during mission-critical operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or another technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operations.
• Proficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems including PLCs and automated sequencing, and launch pad systems.
• Experience with cryogenic and pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operations.
• Experience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operations.
• Leadership skills including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management.
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures and test plans, and conducting mission simulations.
• For work in US offices, candidates must meet applicable ITAR eligibility or authorization requirements, including US citizenship, lawful permanent residence, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice to have

• Mission Control or similar operational control environment experience.
• Aviation, aircrew, or flight test experience.
• Hands-on launch vehicle ground operations experience at an active launch site.
• Experience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaigns and teams.
• Understanding of fluid systems and high-pressure gas systems.
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems.
• Real-time data analysis and troubleshooting experience during live operations.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced environment focused on reliable launch operations, innovation, teamwork, and delivering under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Equity is included in total compensation, with an Employee Stock Purchase Program offering a 15% discount on company stock.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans; flexible spending and dependent care accounts; disability and life insurance.
• Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.