Senior Mechanical Engineer, Spaceflight Systems Leader

IRPI; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave & flexibility

Annual performance bonuses

Salary: $130,000 - $165,000, based on

Job summary

IRPI is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to anchor mechanical, thermal, and fluid system work on NASA and commercial space programs. You will own designs from concept through testing, bridging lab work with flight integration, while mentoring mid-level engineers and ensuring rigorous engineering judgment.

This role demands hands-on prototyping, strong data analysis, and the ability to navigate complex trade-offs within schedule and risk. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or related field.
• 7+ years designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical and thermal-fluid systems; Master’s counts as 1 year.
• Demonstrated depth: solved hard problems, not just contributed.
• End-to-end ownership from design through flight/qualification preferred.
• Expert SolidWorks proficiency including drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing experience.
• Strong data analysis skills (Excel, MATLAB, Python).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present conclusions clearly.
• US citizenship or nationality required for export-controlled work.

Responsibilities

• Own design, analysis, and test of mechanical, thermal, and fluid subsystems across multiple projects.
• Mentor engineers, review designs and tests, and help develop engineering judgment.
• Balance hands-on investigation with program-level decision making and progress.
• Lead trade studies and drive design decisions through PDR/CDR to flight.
• Create and review SolidWorks models, drawings, and ensure configuration control.
• Prepare BOMs for prototypes and flight builds; coordinate with suppliers.

Skills

Strong problem solving

Excellent communication

End-to-end ownership

Education

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

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

CNC machining

Matlab/Python

Job description

IRPI is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to anchor mechanical, thermal, and fluid system work on NASA and commercial space programs. You will own designs from concept through testing, bridging lab work with flight integration, while mentoring mid-level engineers and ensuring rigorous engineering judgment.

This role demands hands-on prototyping, strong data analysis, and the ability to navigate complex trade-offs within schedule and risk. U.S.