GNC Engineer III (Trajectory), Alpha (Aerospace)

Location: Headquartered in north Austin, Texas. Due to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Company

hirify.global is a space and defense technology company developing launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for government and commercial missions.

What you will do

• Design, analyze, and optimize launch vehicle trajectories within vehicle and operational constraints.
• Develop powered-ascent and orbital-insertion guidance algorithms.
• Perform statistical trajectory analysis, mission trade studies, feasibility assessments, and payload performance analysis.
• Build mission analysis tools and automation pipelines for responsive trajectory design and iteration.
• Support launch operations as a GNC console operator and conduct post-flight analysis to improve vehicle models.
• Provide technical direction, documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship for junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in launch vehicle trajectory design, mission planning, or guidance algorithm development.
• Advanced knowledge of launch vehicle flight mechanics and high-fidelity modeling of gravity, aerodynamics, and propulsion.
• Strong understanding of numerical optimization, targeting methods, mission trade studies, and performance verification.
• Proficiency in Python and trajectory design tools such as POST, OTIS, TAOS, or similar.
• Experience with Git, code documentation, testing, and clear technical communication.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or a related field.
• Experience with guidance methods, range safety constraints, state estimation, attitude dynamics, and control theory.
• Experience with C++ real-time software for flight-critical applications and CI/CD workflows.
• Launch vehicle systems, mission operations, flight approval, or operational launch experience.
• Publications, presentations, industry contributions, or experience developing junior engineers.

Culture & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans with low plan deductibles.
• Parental leave and short-term disability coverage.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Flexible paid time off options.
• Equal opportunity employment based on merit, competence, and qualifications.