Mechanical Engineer, Space Hardware (Mid-Level)

IRPI LLC; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance

Employer contributions to retirement

Generous paid vacation and sick leave

Paid parental leave

Annual bonus opportunities

Hands-on experience with flight hardware

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company located in Wilsonville is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to design and test subsystems for NASA and commercial space programs. Ideal candidates will have 2-5 years of experience, strong proficiency in SolidWorks, and possess the skills needed to lead design tasks and mentor peers. This role offers a competitive salary between $90,000 and $130,000, alongside comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical or thermal-fluid systems.
• Familiarity with test instrumentation and data collection.
• U.S. citizenship or nationality required for export-controlled work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis tasks for mechanical and thermal systems.
• Create and manage detailed SolidWorks models and drawings.
• Design and instrument test setups; execute tests and analyze data.

Skills

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Strong written and verbal communication

Hands-on experience with prototyping

Ability to analyze performance data

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field

Tools

SolidWorks

Excel

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that manage air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions. Our portfolio spans CO₂ removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing, waste management, and fire safety, as well as condensing heat exchangers, propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.

What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to produce hardware that performs in challenging environments. From early-stage concepts to flight-qualified systems, we transform ideas into tested, mission-ready technology that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

As a Mechanical Engineer at the mid-level, you’ll take ownership of subsystem design and testing for active NASA and commercial space programs. You’ll work hands-on across the full lifecycle—from concept development, CAD, and analysis through in-house prototyping, test execution, and flight integration. You’ll help drive design decisions, coordinate with partners, and ensure designs mature into reliable, high-performance hardware.

This role is ideal for engineers with at least a few years of experience who are ready to lead discrete efforts, mentor early-career teammates, and deepen their technical expertise while working on real flight projects.

This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis tasks for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems supporting spaceflight hardware.
• Develop concepts, perform trade studies, and drive design reviews with cross-disciplinary input.
• Create and manage detailed SolidWorks models, assemblies, and drawings under configuration control.
• Generate, maintain, and release bills of materials for prototype and flight builds.
• Oversee and participate in the fabrication and assembly of test articles and flight hardware.
• Design and instrument test setups; execute tests and analyze performance data using Excel, MATLAB, or Python.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design or test issues with minimal supervision.
• Document results and present clear technical conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support integration and verification activities with NASA and commercial partners.
• Contribute to IRPI’s culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence.

We’re looking for engineers who take pride in craftsmanship, think creatively across disciplines, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 2–5 years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical or thermal-fluid systems. Count a Master’s degree as 1 year toward this requirement.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing.
• Familiarity with test instrumentation, data collection, and analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, or Python).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship or nationality (required for export-controlled work).

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $90,000 – $130,000, 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/principal 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), 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.