Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Research & Development

ZipRecruiter; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic research and engineering firm specializing in aerospace technology as a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer. You will engage in the full lifecycle of aerospace hardware development, tackling innovative challenges in the realm of space exploration. Qualified candidates will have a background in engineering, a hands-on approach to problem-solving, and will thrive in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Health Care (Medical & Dental)

Retirement Contributions

Paid Time Off and Family Leave

Innovative R&D projects

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or PhD preferred.
• Hands-on skills, proactive problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• Knowledge in low-gravity environment design desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems with low-gravity components.
• Conduct thermal, fluid, and structural analyses for design validation.
• Lead rapid prototyping using 3D printing and assemble experimental setups.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Heat Transfer

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Job description

IRPI is a dynamic research and engineering firm at the forefront of space exploration technology. Our work involves developing advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and pioneering aerospace systems. We collaborate with NASA, private space companies, and aerospace contractors to turn innovative concepts into reality. We are seeking a creative and hands-on Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer passionate about R&D and solving unique engineering challenges for space.

Your Mission

As a Mechanical Engineer in Aerospace R&D at IRPI, you will be involved in the entire lifecycle of aerospace hardware, from conceptual design to experimental validation. Your projects may include designing phase separators for low gravity, thermal modeling, experimental setup, data analysis, and utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate & Design: Develop mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems, including low-gravity hardware components.
• Analyze & Simulate: Conduct thermal, fluid, and structural analyses to validate designs and predict performance.
• Prototype & Build: Lead rapid prototyping using 3D printing, CNC machining, and assemble experimental setups.
• Experiment & Validate: Design tests, set up experiments, and validate models and hardware performance.
• Data Interpretation: Analyze experimental data, including image processing techniques.
• CAD & Documentation: Create detailed CAD models and technical reports.
• Collaborate & Solve: Work with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to develop solutions.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanics of materials.
• Hands-on skills and a proactive problem-solving approach.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in thermal/fluid systems design and testing, especially for aerospace applications.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, FEA, CFD, MATLAB, Python.
• Experience with experiments, instrumentation, data acquisition, and image processing.
• Knowledge of low-gravity environment design and NASA standards.

Benefits

• Diverse R&D projects and innovative hardware development.
• Work with advanced tools and manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing.
• Contribute to space exploration advancements.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment.

Compensation & Perks

• Salary Range: $85,000 - $125,000
• Health Care (Medical & Dental)
• Retirement Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Family Leave

IRPI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.