Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle (Aerospace)

Location: Wallops Island, Virginia, United States; based at hirify.global’s Launch Complex 3

Salary: $110,000–$145,000 USD per year, plus potential stock and cash incentives.

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end aerospace company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical spaceflight subsystems.

What you will do

• Lead engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical, propulsion, and fluid systems during Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Operate as the vehicle systems console operator in Mission Control during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop CONOPS, test plans, operational procedures, checklists, and HMIs for vehicle monitoring and control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, mission rehearsals, and operator qualification programs.
• Troubleshoot vehicle anomalies in real time, analyze post-test and post-launch data, and lead root-cause and corrective-action activities.
• Drive the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns while scaling infrastructure for increased launch cadence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Proficiency with rocket propulsion, fluid and thermal systems, vehicle tanking, propellant handling, and pressurized fluid systems.
• Experience with high-reliability aerospace system design, testing, or operations; hazardous operations and propulsion safety protocols.
• Experience developing operational procedures and test plans and conducting mission simulations.
• For work in U.S. offices, eligibility to access ITAR-regulated technology is required, such as U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, qualifying refugee or asylum status, or applicable government authorization.

Nice to have

• Mission Control, launch vehicle integration, testing, launch, or mission operations experience.
• Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems, propulsion test operations, spacecraft, or crew-rated vehicle systems.
• Experience leading hot-fire testing or static test campaigns.
• Understanding of cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems.
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced environment focused on reliable launch operations and meaningful space missions.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan options and employee stock purchase opportunities.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Work involves periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.