Mechanical Engineer, Space Hardware; Mid-Level

Position: Mechanical Engineer, Space Hardware (Mid-Level)
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 mid-level Mechanical Engineer, you'll take ownership of subsystem design, analysis, and test for active NASA and commercial space programs. You'll work hands-on across the full lifecycle - from concept and CAD through analysis, in-house prototyping, test execution, and flight integration. You'll drive design decisions, coordinate with partners, and mature your work into reliable, high-performance hardware.

This is a generalist mechanical role: we want engineers who can own a subsystem end-to-end across design, analysis, and test rather than hand off between specialists. You'll lead discrete efforts, contribute across disciplines, and grow technically alongside senior and principal engineers working on real flight projects. Strong candidates at this level often grow into technical leadership roles over time, though this position is an individual contributor role today.

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 Solid Works 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.
• Mentor early-career teammates and 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.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 3-7 years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical or thermal-fluid systems. Master's degree counts as 1 year toward this requirement.
• Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a subsystem or component through design, analysis, and test on a real program - not just contribution at any one stage.
• Proficiency in Solid Works or similar CAD software, including manufacturing drawings and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing - you can build and test, not just simulate.
• 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).

Nice to Have

• Prior experience at a small space company, startup, or small-team R&D environment.
• Exposure to NASA program life cycles, design reviews (PDR/CDR), or flight qualification processes.
• Experience mentoring early-career engineers or leading small technical efforts.

Benefits
Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $105,000 -…