Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems; Graduating

Overview

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

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.

• 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 Solid Works 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.

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

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with experience in research, mechanical design, and/or fluids/thermal systems
• 1-3 years of 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)

• Salary: $85,000 - $105,000, 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…