Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle (Aerospace)

Location: Wallops Island, Virginia, United States; based at Launch Complex 3. The role is for candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices and may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes.

Salary: $149,000–$174,000 USD total compensation, including base salary of $107,000–$147,000 USD and equity.

Company

hirify.global is a publicly traded end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems, including the Neutron launch vehicle and HASTE hypersonic test platform.

What you will do

• Lead engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical, propulsion, and fluid systems during Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Operate vehicle system consoles in Mission Control during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop CONOPS, test plans, operational procedures, checklists, and vehicle operations campaigns.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, mission rehearsals, qualification programs, and operator training.
• Design and implement HMIs for vehicle monitoring and control, and perform real-time troubleshooting and post-operation data analysis.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions while serving as the technical authority and driving operational improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft; aviation or aircrew experience may be considered as an alternative.
• Proficiency with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems.
• Experience with high-reliability aerospace system design, testing, or operations, including vehicle tanking, propellant handling, and pressurized fluid systems.
• Understanding of hazardous operations and propulsion-system safety protocols.
• Experience developing operational procedures and test plans and conducting mission simulations.
• Demonstrated leadership in change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and team management.
• For U.S. office work, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible to obtain required U.S. government authorizations under ITAR.

Nice to have

• Mission Control or similar operational control experience.
• Launch vehicle integration, testing, launch, or mission operations experience.
• Integrated-stage thermal/fluid systems design, testing, or operations experience, or propulsion test/operations experience.
• Spacecraft or crew-rated vehicle systems experience.
• Experience leading teams, hot-fire testing programs, or static test campaigns.
• Understanding of cryogenic systems and high-pressure gas systems.
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems.
• Aviation, aircrew, or flight-test experience may be considered as an alternative.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced aerospace environment focused on reliable launch operations, teamwork, innovation, and working to tight deadlines.
• Company stock and anticipated annual equity grant as part of total compensation.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, dependent care, disability, and life insurance plans.
• Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) plan with company match.