Lead Autonomy Engineer – Special Programs (Aerospace)

Location: San Jose, California, United States. The role requires U.S. person status under ITAR/EAR and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Salary: $138,200–$190,100 base pay annually. Actual compensation depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Company

hirify.global is an aerospace company developing, manufacturing, and operating all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead autonomy-stack design and development for prototype vehicles, including perception, planning, and autonomy software architecture.
• Support rapid prototyping from concept algorithms and simulation through hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight-test support.
• Own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs by defining technical approaches, standards, and development methods.
• Assess the technical feasibility of emerging concepts, requests for proposals, and mission requirements.
• Contribute as a cross-functional technical specialist across advanced and defense-focused programs.
• Prepare technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for design reviews and opportunity decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing autonomy software for aerospace, robotics, or defense platforms, including perception, planning, or decision-making stacks.
• Familiarity with autonomy frameworks, simulation environments, and autonomous-system flight-test support.
• Experience across the full development lifecycle, from concept through prototype, in fast-paced and resource-constrained environments.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience or equivalent rapid-prototyping or advanced-programs experience.
• Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical field.
• Strong aptitude for evaluating early-stage technical concepts and feasibility.
• Ability to contribute outside the core autonomy discipline as program needs require.

Culture & Benefits

• Small, empowered Special Programs team focused on rapid prototyping and advanced defense development.
• Significant technical ownership with limited direct-report support.
• Pay-for-performance compensation culture.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.
• Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.