Mechanical Engineer, Space Hardware (Early Career)
IRPI, Wilsonville, OR, United States
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. What sets IRPI apart is how we unite research, mechanical design, and fluid/thermal engineering to deliver robust, flight-ready systems. We rapidly turn bold concepts into tested hardware that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.
Your Mission
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.
Key Responsibilities
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 SolidWorks 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.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Solid grasp of design, heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials
Proficiency in SolidWorks for parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings (or equivalent 3D CAD)
Demonstrated hands-on aptitude—prototype fabrication, test-rig assembly, and use of common shop tool
Clear, concise technical writing and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with experience in research, mechanical design, and/or fluids/thermal systems
1-3 years 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)
Benefits
Compensation & Perks
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 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), please 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.
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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. What sets IRPI apart is how we unite research, mechanical design, and fluid/thermal engineering to deliver robust, flight-ready systems. We rapidly turn bold concepts into tested hardware that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.
Your Mission
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.
Key Responsibilities
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 SolidWorks 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.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Solid grasp of design, heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials
Proficiency in SolidWorks for parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings (or equivalent 3D CAD)
Demonstrated hands-on aptitude—prototype fabrication, test-rig assembly, and use of common shop tool
Clear, concise technical writing and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with experience in research, mechanical design, and/or fluids/thermal systems
1-3 years 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)
Benefits
Compensation & Perks
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 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), please 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr