Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States. Relocation support is available for new hires if needed.

Salary: $181,913–$232,444 per year, plus potential stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Company

hirify.global develops commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing systems, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses, built and operated in-house.

What you will do

• Own the architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, testing, and operation of ground fluid systems across spacecraft programs.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites and establish safe, efficient, and reliable operating practices.
• Define propellant handling processes and ensure commodities meet flight specifications.
• Drive the ground fluids roadmap, identify capability gaps, and prioritize infrastructure investments.
• Author technical standards, work instructions, engineering documentation, and design guidance.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, lead design reviews, coordinate with launch sites and partners, and resolve escalated technical issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of hands-on propulsion fluid systems experience involving spacecraft or launch vehicle design, build, and testing.
• Deep knowledge of pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, instrumentation, manufacturing, and installation methods.
• Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground testing or flight campaigns and proficiency with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
• Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements, CAD tools, and PLM software.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and qualify as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled technology.

Nice to have

• Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants.
• Test or launch site operations experience involving range safety and launch site personnel.
• Experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline and developing propulsion engineering standards.
• Exceptional technical communication skills for work instructions, specifications, assembly procedures, and engineering memos.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employees receive flexible PTO, 12 paid holidays, and 12 weeks of parental leave.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% immediately vested employer match and incentive equity.
• Wellness reimbursement, family-building benefits, One Medical memberships, and cell phone reimbursement.
• Daily lunch, twice-weekly dinner, team events, complimentary EV charging, and a fully stocked kitchen.