Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, Test Stand (Hypergolic Propulsion)

Location: Fully onsite at the Centennial, Colorado office; the position is subject to U.S. ITAR eligibility requirements.

Base salary: $135,000–$190,000 per year, plus equity and benefits.

Company

hirify.global develops autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors for space defense.

What you will do

• Lead detailed mechanical design of hypergolic propellant storage, transfer, pressurization, fill, drain, vent, and neutralization systems.
• Design test stand structures, thrust measurement systems, engine and thruster interfaces, run tanks, GSE carts, and facility hardware.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, P&IDs, fabrication packages, material specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate vendor qualification, procurement, fabrication, assembly, installation, and resolution of nonconformances.
• Lead proof pressure testing, leak checks, functional verification, cleanliness verification, and mechanical commissioning.
• Maintain as-built documentation and provide design support during early propulsion test operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience designing and building propulsion ground systems, test facility hardware, or high-pressure fluid systems for aerospace or defense.
• Hands-on experience with hypergolic, toxic, or highly reactive propellants, including material compatibility, secondary containment, and emergency safing.
• Proficiency with NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D CAD tools and detailed fabrication drawings.
• Experience developing P&IDs and applying pressure system design codes such as ASME B31.3.
• Must be eligible under U.S. ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or person eligible to obtain the required U.S. authorizations.

Nice to have

• Experience designing hypergolic propulsion test stands or spacecraft and launch vehicle ground fluid systems.
• Experience with Hydrazine, NTO, MMH, UDMH, RFNA, cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification.
• Experience coordinating with authorities having jurisdiction, fire marshals, or environmental regulators.
• Structural analysis or FEA experience for test stand structures and pressure vessels.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or higher, or the ability to obtain one.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully onsite work in the Denver-area facility environment.
• Health, dental, vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO, and paid holidays.
• 401(k) and parental leave.
• Equity participation.
• Work focused on building long-term propulsion test capabilities for space defense programs.