Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer – Special Programs

Location: San Jose, California, United States. Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Salary: $138,200–$190,100 base pay annually.

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 propulsion system design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including engine and motor sizing, performance modeling, BSFC, fuel-burn analysis, and propulsion-airframe integration.
• Support rapid prototyping from concept sizing and detailed design through bench testing, ground testing, and flight test support.
• Own propulsion technical approaches, standards, and analysis methods within the Special Programs group.
• Evaluate the feasibility of emerging concepts, requests for proposals, and mission requirements.
• Collaborate with program leads and engineering teams across disciplines to align technical approaches with program constraints and timelines.
• Prepare technical documentation, trade studies, analysis packages, and internal or government-facing review materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft propulsion design and analysis, performance modeling, and propulsion-airframe integration.
• Experience across the full development lifecycle, from concept development through prototype work, in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to assess early-stage technical feasibility, work independently, and take significant technical ownership.
• 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 engineering discipline.
• Familiarity with hybrid-electric or turbo-generator propulsion architectures.
• Ability to contribute outside the core propulsion discipline as program needs require.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a small, empowered Special Programs group focused on advanced and defense-oriented development.
• Significant technical ownership and autonomy in a rapid-prototyping environment.
• Performance-based compensation aligned with the company’s strategy.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.
• Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.