DESCRIPTION
As a Senior Hardware Development Engineer at Long Wall, you are the technical owner of complex hardware products that fly. You are versatile, working in the lab as often as at your desk, and own products ranging from fluid manifolds and tubing systems to primary structure and avionics enclosures. You take your products from concept through design, manufacturing, qualification, and field support, and you set the technical bar for the engineers around you. You collaborate closely with propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver integrated, flight-ready systems in a fast-moving, evolving-priorities environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Take total ownership of complex Long Wall engineering products from ideation through design, manufacturing, qualification, and field supportLead the mechanical design, drawing release, and configuration management of flight and ground hardware in industry-standard CAD toolsOwn the analysis stack for your products—hand calculations, FEA, CFD, thermal, and tolerance analyses—to validate designs against structural, thermal, and fluid performance requirementsDrive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), partnering closely with technicians, machinists, and suppliers to deliver hardware on cost and scheduleWrite and execute test procedures (component qualification, acceptance, integrated checkouts); analyze data and iterate designs based on resultsAuthor and present technical documentation—requirements, ICDs, design reviews, test plans, and reports—to internal and external stakeholdersMentor junior engineers, lead design reviews, and serve as the go-to technical resource on your product lineBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related industry experience;OR Master’s degree AND 6 years of related experience;OR Ph.D. AND 3 years of related experienceREQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Experience taking aerospace or defense hardware from prototype through flight qualification and field supportAbility to develop scripts in Python or MATLAB for automation and analysisHands-on experience with assembly, integration, and test of flight hardware in a fast-paced lab environmentExperience designing for containerization, rate production, or other mass-producibility constraintsFamiliarity with U.S. missile defense, launch, or hypersonics programsDemonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical design reviewsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Experience taking aerospace or defense hardware from prototype through flight qualification and field supportAbility to develop scripts in Python or MATLAB for automation and analysisHands-on experience with assembly, integration, and test of flight hardware in a fast-paced lab environmentExperience designing for containerization, rate production, or other mass-producibility constraintsFamiliarity with U.S. missile defense, launch, or hypersonics programsDemonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical design reviewsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of timeAbility to use a computer to complete assignmentsAbility to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresenceAbility to lift up to 50 lbsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environmentThis is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:
Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plansLong Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage4% 401k matchStudent loan repayment assistance programPaid parental leaveFamily planning assistance programLong Wall paid financial wellness programPaid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employeesITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position. Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages. Read LessDescription
We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Launch System to lead the design, development, integration, and qualification of interceptor launchers and ground support equipment. These launchers will enable deployment of a missile defense interceptors in low cost, discreet form factors. This leader will own the full system lifecycle, from design through fielding across all subsystem domains including electrical, power, pneumatic, hydraulic, structural systems, and USG safety requirements. This role will carry forward Long Wall’s proven track record of developing mobile launch systems and leverage the heritage of operating the Ironwood ground system for liquid launch vehicles. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for both technical excellence and people management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:System Design & Development
Lead end-to-end design and development of a 40-ft containerized launch system for a new interceptor, meeting all performance, safety, and reliability requirements. Architect, detailed design and validation of all major subsystems, including: Electrical systems — power distribution, control wiring, and system interfaces Power systems — primary and backup power, energy storage, and conversion Pneumatic systems — high-pressure gas management, purge, and actuation circuits Hydraulic systems — actuator control, pressure regulation, and fluid management Structural systems — Container mechanical (welded structures and mechanisms) design and structural, thermal, vibration , and acoustic analysis Define system-level requirements and flow down to subsystem and component levels. Oversee trades studies, design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR), and technical baseline management.Program & Team Leadership
Directly manage and develop a team of 3–5 engineers across mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines. Assign work, set priorities, conduct performance reviews, and mentor team members toward career growth. Interface with internal stakeholders to coordinate schedules and deliverables. Work closely with external customers to develop key system interfaces and requirements Represent the launch system in internal design reviews, customer briefings, and supplier meetings. Own technical risk identification and mitigation planning for all launch system subsystems.Development, Integration, Test & Field Operations
Lead detailed system design, operating as ‘player/coach’ with work split biased towards lead technical contributor Lead system integration and qualification testing, including functional, environmental, and acceptance testing. Develop and review test plans, procedures, and anomaly reports. Support field deployment and operational readiness activities at test and operational sites. Coordinate with safety engineering to ensure compliance with all applicable range and system safety requirements. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.8+ yrs of progressive engineering experience in ground support, launch ground systems, or industrial/energy ground infrastructure.REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Demonstrated hands-on experience with two or more of the following system domains: Electrical systems (power distribution, wiring harnesses, control electronics) Power systems (prime power, UPS, switching, protection) Pneumatic systems (high-pressure gas handling, regulators, valves) Hydraulic systems (actuators, manifolds, fluid circuits) Structural/mechanical systems (fabricated ground structures, mechanisms, tight tolerance structures) Experience leading or co-leading a multi-discipline engineering team on a hardware development program. Background in aerospace ground systems (launch vehicles, missiles, satellites) or a similar discipline (oil and gas, automotive, large field equipment) Familiarity with requirements management, design review processes, and systems engineering fundamentals. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required). This is an on-site role based in Long Beach, California. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with canister-based or VLS (Vertical Launch System) launch system design and integration. Background with ISO container-based mobile systems or rapidly deployable weapon/sensor platforms. Familiarity with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-HDBK-17 or equivalent standards. Experience with structural fabrication and inspection to AWS D1.1, AWS 17.1, or equivalent Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Hands-on experience with the integration and testing of propulsion or energetics ground systems. Knowledge of safety and reliability methodologies, including FMEA, FTA, and PHA. Program management exposure (Earned Value, IMS, risk registers). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Work is performed in a combination of office, laboratory, and field environments. May require work near launch structures, high-pressure systems, and energetic materials; PPE required. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs; occasionally work in confined spaces or at elevated heights. Domestic and international travel up to 25%, including extended periods at remote test sites. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of timeAbility to use a computer to complete assignmentsAbility to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and telepresenceWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environmentCompensation and Benefits:Above is the full compensation range for this role, broken down by:
M3 (Manager, Launch Systems) - $145,000 to $185,000M4 (Head of, Launch Systems) - $175,000 to $230,000This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:
Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plansLong Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage4% 401k matchStudent loan repayment assistance programPaid parental leaveFamily planning assistance programLong Wall paid financial wellness programPaid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employeesITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position. Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages. Read LessWe manufacture parts from both billet material and additively manufactured parts:
Aluminum Copper Inconel Plastic Steel Stainless Steel RESPONSIBILITIES:Interpret drawings to maintain part specifications through post-machining operations, meeting productivity, product, and development goals Process components after printing and/or machining using a variety of hand tools (powered and manual) to remove sharp edges and finish machined surfaces to meet drawing requirements Assist with material inventory and prep for machining processes Polish surface finishes without altering precise tolerances and inspect to verify using a profilometer Follow work instructions for cleaning specifications and foreign object debris (FOD) mitigation processes Train and develop skills to support all Component Manufacturing operations in accordance with business need, including Machine Operating (Manual/CNC Lathe and Mill, Router, Electric discharge machining (EDM), Saw, Metal 3D Printing) Support with ancillary manufacturing operations, including job kitting, deburring, part marking, Foreign Object debris (FOD) mitigation, cleaning, hand drilling, tapping, and thread chasing, and Machine Preventative Maintenance Own part marking per drawing and/or work order callouts Support with issue ticket rework operations in accordance with issue ticket protocols Support with material loading and handling BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:High School diploma or GED1-2 years of experience in a machine-shop or manufacturing environment (school shop hours acceptable)REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Ability to work on tasks autonomously and with team members Strong mechanical aptitude Familiarity with Haas CNC machines and controlsOTHER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:Completion of a trade/technical program in Machining, Manufacturing Technology, or related field (or equivalent hands-on training) Experience in aerospace, medical, or automotive manufacturing Strong oral and written communication Experience with Microsoft Office products Forklift/pallet stacker operation (or willingness to obtain certification) This is the lowest-to-highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. In addition to base pay and equity, we offer: Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage 4% 401k match Student loan repayment assistance program Paid parental leave Family planning assistance program Long Wall paid financial wellness program Paid time off for non-exempt employees and a flexible vacation policy for exempt employees ITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position. Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages. Read LessIn addition to base pay and equity, we offer:
Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plansLong Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage4% 401k matchStudent loan repayment assistance programPaid parental leaveFamily planning assistance programLong Wall paid financial wellness programPaid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employeesITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position. Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages. Read Less