Controls Engineer (Turbojet Engines)

Location: San Luis Obispo, California, United States; on-site

Salary: $115,000–$150,000 for Engineer or $155,000–$195,000 for Senior, plus equity

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup founded in 2023 that develops autonomous and decentralized defense platforms and advanced propulsion technologies.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and maintain control systems and data acquisition architectures for turbojet engine test stands and component rigs.
• Develop control software and automation frameworks for engine systems, actuators, fuel delivery systems, and instrumentation.
• Integrate pressure, temperature, vibration, fuel-flow, and shaft-speed sensors and instrumentation.
• Implement real-time control algorithms for engine starts, throttle scheduling, safety interlocks, and shutdown sequences.
• Support test stand design, upgrades, control cabinets, wiring architectures, and safety systems.
• Analyze test data, report engine performance trends, troubleshoot anomalies, and contribute to root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in controls systems, test automation, or propulsion system development.
• Experience designing or integrating control and data acquisition systems for complex hardware.
• Familiarity with control theory, real-time control software, instrumentation, sensors, and hardware interfaces.
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory or test environments with strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a U.S. Person and authorized to access U.S. export-controlled information; employment requires U.S. work authorization.

Nice to have

• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or PLC programming.
• Knowledge of FADEC, fuel control units, and actuator systems.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition, real-time data systems, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience integrating valves, pumps, servo actuators, or other electromechanical systems.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or propulsion R&D.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Fast-paced, hands-on work focused on advanced propulsion and national security.