Staff Mechanisms Engineer: Hypersonic Spaceflight Systems

Inversion; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion, headquartered in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Staff Mechanisms Engineer to own cradle-to-grave development of mission-critical mechanisms for next-generation reentry vehicles.

You will lead design, analysis, testing, and production integration within the Mechanical team, reporting to the Director of Mechanical, and collaborating across structures, avionics, propulsion, TPS, and GNC to ensure seamless integration of assemblies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent technical experience.
• Typically 8+ years of professional experience designing, analysising, and testing mechanisms and moving mechanical assemblies for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications.
• Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX, CATIA, Solidworks, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability designing for harsh environments including vacuum, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems including mechanisms, actuators, fasteners, bearings, seals, and material properties.
• Experience with environmental testing (shock, vibration, TVAC) and qualification programs for spaceflight hardware.
• Proficiency creating detailed engineering drawings with GD&T and other technical documentation.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop flight-critical mechanisms including actuators, deployment mechanisms, separation systems, and cartridge actuated devices from concept through flight qualification
• Perform detailed structural and thermal analysis using FEA and analytical methods to validate designs against hypersonic and spaceflight environments
• Develop and execute comprehensive test campaigns including functional testing, environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC), life cycle testing, and acceptance testing
• Create detailed engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), and design specifications
• Work hands-on with manufacturing and integration teams to build, troubleshoot, and iterate hardware rapidly
• Drive design reviews and present technical trade studies to inform architecture and component selection decisions
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for custom component procurement, ensuring adherence to schedule and technical requirements
• Support vehicle integration activities and provide technical expertise during assembly, test, and launch operations

Job description

Inversion, headquartered in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Staff Mechanisms Engineer to own cradle-to-grave development of mission-critical mechanisms for next-generation reentry vehicles.

You will lead design, analysis, testing, and production integration within the Mechanical team, reporting to the Director of Mechanical, and collaborating across structures, avionics, propulsion, TPS, and GNC to ensure seamless integration of assemblies.