Lead Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Lead Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace): Leading the mechanical design and manufacturing of prototype systems for defense-focused aerospace projects with an accent on mechanisms, actuation, and packaging for prototype systems. Focus on rapid prototyping, conducting technical feasibility assessments of early-stage concepts, and overseeing the full development lifecycle from concept to field deployment.

Location: San Jose, California, United States

Salary: $138,200 - $190,100

Company

hirify.global is an aerospace company building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead mechanical design and analysis for prototype systems, including mechanisms, actuation, and packaging/integration.
• Own the manufacturing and build planning, ensuring design-for-manufacturability and production readiness.
• Manage the deployment and fielding of prototype systems, including logistics and field-support.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments for new opportunities, RFPs, and mission requirements.
• Direct the mechanical design discipline within Special Programs, setting technical standards and methods.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with program leads and government stakeholders to align technical approaches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace or defense hardware.
• Proven experience in mechanical design, analysis, and manufacturing processes.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) as defined by ITAR/EAR.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• hirify.global is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with launch, release, or handling mechanism design and deployment logistics.

Culture & Benefits

• Pay-for-performance culture that rewards strategic contributions.
• High level of technical ownership and autonomy within a small, fast-moving team.
• Opportunity to work on forward-looking defense and aerospace prototypes.
• Commitment to an equitable and inclusive workplace environment.