Senior Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States. The role involves access to ITAR-controlled information and items; the hired candidate must be a U.S. person or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export-control license.

Base salary: $140,000–$175,000 per year plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is a Series C space startup developing high-power satellite platforms for commercial and U.S. government missions from low Earth orbit to deep space.

What you will do

• Own the mechanical design of propulsion modules, thruster components, propellant management systems, avionics boxes, secondary structures, and potentially tanks.
• Define requirements, develop concepts and design trades, and perform preliminary and detailed analyses.
• Create 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents.
• Develop and execute component- and system-level test plans, analyze test data, and make hardware performance decisions.
• Validate designs through prototype iterations, qualification, flight demonstrations, production, and integration.
• Manage propulsion vendors and suppliers and maintain subsystem delivery schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis experience.
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages and practical application of GD&T.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids.
• Ability to personally design, build, test, troubleshoot, and iterate hardware from a blank canvas.
• Must be a U.S. person under ITAR or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export-control license.

Nice to have

• Experience with advanced propulsion technologies, high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, or propulsion system integration.
• Experience designing, building, and testing aerospace mechanical assemblies for satellites, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, or aircraft.
• Experience developing and qualifying high- or low-pressure fluidic components, feed systems, or pressurized tanks.
• Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes for complex mechanical systems in space environments.
• Experience with production tooling or product design in prototype or high-volume environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave and additional benefits.
• Company equity.