Mission Architect (Aerospace)

Location: Onsite near Denver, Colorado, or Long Beach, California, United States

Company

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

What you will do

• Define mission objectives, system requirements, operational concepts, and system-of-systems architectures with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Lead mission trade studies, feasibility assessments, trajectory design, spacecraft maneuver optimization, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee integration of hardware, software, and operational components, including system-level verification plans and end-to-end testing.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity spacecraft and environmental models using tools such as STK, GMAT, MATLAB, and FreeFlyer.
• Run Monte Carlo simulations, assess mission effectiveness and operational risks, and develop mitigation and contingency plans.
• Support mission operations during testing and real-time execution, including pre-flight and post-flight analysis and anomaly investigations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in mission analysis, space operations, or orbital mechanics.
• Expertise in mission design, spacecraft operations, orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and autonomous space operations.
• Hands-on experience with STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar mission analysis software, plus proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Experience with mission planning and real-time mission support.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance. Due to ITAR requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice to have

• Experience with defense or classified space missions.
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense and NASA mission standards and processes.
• Experience working with government agencies, prime contractors, or subcontractors on space missions.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors.
• Health, dental, vision, and HRA/HSA options.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), and parental leave.
• Base salary: $155,000–$260,000 for Staff level or $190,000–$315,000 for Principal level, with the actual level and salary determined by experience, education, location, knowledge, and skills.

Hiring process

• The position remains open until successfully filled.
• Applications must be submitted according to the application instructions.