Mechanical Engineer, Space Hardware (Early Career)

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.

We develop flight hardware for spacecraft, habitats, and suits—covering systems for CO₂ removal, air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample preparation, waste management, and fire safety. Our projects range from condensing heat exchangers and filtration systems to propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.

What sets IRPI apart is how we unite research, mechanical design, and fluid/thermal engineering to deliver robust, flight-ready systems. We rapidly turn bold concepts into tested hardware that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

This role offers a rare opportunity to design, prototype, and test real spaceflight hardware at the start of your career. At IRPI, engineers contribute across the full lifecycle—from CAD and analysis to in-house additive manufacturing, lab validation, and production—on active NASA and commercial space programs. You’ll collaborate with and learn from senior engineers with flight experience, gaining hands-on exposure that few early-career positions can match.

If you’re driven by curiosity, precision, and the desire to see your designs fly, IRPI is where you can start building the future of space systems.

This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers with analysis, design, and trade studies for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems.
• Contribute ideas during whiteboard sessions and design reviews.
• Create and revise SolidWorks parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Maintain bills of materials and configuration control.
• Operate additive manufacturing equipment and shop tools to fabricate prototypes and test fixtures.
• Assemble test articles and assist in flight-hardware builds.
• Instrument hardware, execute test procedures, and collect data for a variety of fluid-thermal systems.
• Troubleshoot test setups and document deviations.
• Process test data using Excel, MATLAB, or Python; generate clear plots and engineering conclusions.
• Work closely with a variety of teams across NASA partners, commercial space operators, and suppliers.
• Embrace feedback, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, high integrity, and excellence.

This role is ideal for early-career engineers who are hands-on, have a strong work ethic, are curious, and eager to develop full-lifecycle hardware skills while supporting real space missions.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Solid grasp of design, heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings (or equivalent 3D CAD)
• Demonstrated hands-on aptitude—prototype fabrication, test‐rig assembly, and use of common shop tool
• Clear, concise technical writing and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with experience in research, mechanical design, and/or fluids/thermal systems
• 1–3 years experience gained through internships, co-ops, senior projects, or research assistantships
• Working knowledge of FEA/CFD and data-analysis scripting in MATLAB or Python
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition (e.g., LabVIEW)
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing and traditional machining processes
• Exposure to aerospace qualification standards (NASA-STD-5001, MIL-STD-1540, or similar)

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $85,000 – $115,000, based on experience and degree
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
• Retirement: Employer contributions to help you build long-term security
• Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule
• Family Support: Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance
• Performance Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success
• Professional Growth: Hands-on experience with flight hardware, mentorship from senior engineers, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge space programs from day one
• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team developing breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of exploration

How to Apply

Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application and may also consider you for other positions that align with your skills and interests.

If you have a thesis, dissertation, or technical presentation (M.S. or Ph.D. work), please include it. A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides details not captured in your resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IRPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected category.