Forward Deployed Engineer, Mission Systems (Starshield)

TL;DR

Forward Deployed Engineer, Mission Systems (Starshield): Develop system specifications, interface control documentation, and ground segment architecture for satellite programs with an accent on mission-specific systems including satellite command and control, operational planning, data processing, and secure execution. Focus on serving as customer interface, designing missions, ensuring end-to-end success, and supporting all program phases from development to on-orbit commissioning.

Hawthorne, CA. Must be U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee per ITAR requirements. Top Secret Security Clearance required. Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.

Pay Range: $100,000–$135,000 per year (Level I/II).

Company

Leverages Starlink technology and launch capabilities to support national security efforts via Starshield, focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

What you will do

• Serve as customer interface at meetings, tests, reviews to develop operations plans, design missions, and participate in real-world operations.
• Ensure contract deliverables are on-time and distill customer requirements into actionable objectives.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders and subsystem representatives for end-to-end mission success.
• Support all program phases from development and proposals through test, flight, and on-orbit commissioning.
• Educate customers on designs and methodologies.
• Own ground segment architecture design.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science discipline.
• 1+ years of software engineering or electrical engineering, hands-on with hardware or software technical projects.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Top Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident (green card), refugee, or asylee per ITAR.
• Available for extended hours/weekends and willing to travel to hirify.global offices, customer sites, remote ground sites.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with USG intelligence processes and systems.
• Experience integrating with genAI and traditional machine learning.
• Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test experience.
• Strong innovation in process improvement and system design.

Culture & Benefits

• Base salary plus long-term incentives (stock/cash awards), discretionary bonuses, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, dental coverage; 401(k); short/long-term disability, life insurance.
• Paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, paid sick leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 10% differential for active clearance (up to $20,000 annually).