Principal R&D Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Auckland, New Zealand. Relocation support and visa sponsorship are available. For New Zealand roles, background and nationality checks apply because access to ITAR-regulated equipment and data is required; eligibility may depend on citizenship or nationality.

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems, including the reusable Neutron launch vehicle.

What you will do

• Develop and execute the design and certification strategy for mechanical structures and mechanisms across Neutron.
• Assess conceptual designs, perform system trade studies, and develop integrated solutions with mechanical engineers.
• Define material architecture, including material selection, properties, design allowables, process controls, inspection methods, and continuous improvement.
• Design and coordinate testing to build material-property databases for metallic components.
• Manage projects and internal and external stakeholders against schedule, scope, and budget.
• Contribute to design reviews, test readiness, change management, risk reviews, and technical mentoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of industry experience designing, developing, and testing material systems in aerospace, aviation, automotive racing, defence, or another relevant high-performance field.
• Demonstrated experience with metallic materials, material performance, process development, and qualification.
• Experience with hands-on design, manufacturing, or maintenance of high-performance systems.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, planning, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Eligibility to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data is required; New Zealand applicants are subject to nationality and background checks.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of aerospace standards covering surface treatment, heat treatment, material composition, corrosion, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter, Infor LN, CAD tools, quality systems, or configuration management.
• Experience transitioning prototypes to production and working with composites, soft structural materials, adhesives, bonding, or thermal testing.
• Experience in additive manufacturing, heat treatment, machining, or metallic welding.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on innovative space and launch-vehicle technology in a small, high-performing team.
• Access to world-leading experts and opportunities for continued learning and career development.
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship.
• Employee stock purchase program and discounted Southern Cross health insurance.
• Additional parental leave, social activities, and workplace refreshments.