Ground Systems Engineer II - Structures & Mechanisms (Aerospace)

Location: Wallops Island, Virginia, United States. The role supports launch pad installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities in person and remotely. For U.S. office candidates, ITAR eligibility or the required U.S. government authorizations are required.

Salary: $88,000–$110,000 USD base pay per year, plus potential stock, cash incentives, and employee stock purchase opportunities.

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

• Design launch pad fixed assets such as test stands, launch mounts, and gantries.
• Design support equipment, transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, and large mechanisms including umbilicals, hold-downs, and strongbacks.
• Create 2D and 3D models using NX CAD software and perform system sizing through hand calculations and numerical methods.
• Produce risk assessments, hazard analyses, FMEAs, component selections, and bills of materials.
• Develop and execute test plans for launch pad systems and vehicle interfaces, including test equipment design and maintenance.
• Work with suppliers, technicians, test, and operations teams during installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and failure investigations.

Requirements

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 2 years of directly applicable design, testing, or operations experience in aerospace or industrial sectors.
• Experience designing large structures and mechanisms.
• Proficiency with CAD software, specifically NX and SolidWorks.
• For U.S. office candidates, eligibility to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data or the required authorizations is required.
• The role may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Nice to have

• Experience with launch pad systems, oil and gas, process, mining, or similar industries.
• Experience with structural design and analysis or software such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT, or Thermal Desktop.
• Experience designing fluid systems to ASME, ASTM, or NASA ground system standards.
• Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings.
• Experience with structures or mechanisms through education, internships, or full-time employment, along with strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on reusable launch vehicle hardware and space infrastructure for the Neutron program.
• Fast-paced environment focused on teamwork, innovation, tight deadlines, and practical execution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan options, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Potential stock and cash incentives, employee stock purchase access, and additional discounts and perks.