Mechanical Engineer II - Space Hardware presso IRPI

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.

About IRPI

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth. Our team develops flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits—covering everything from CO₂ removal and air revitalization to hydroponics, sample preparation, waste management, and fire safety. We design condensing heat exchangers, phase separation and filtration devices, propellant management systems, Lunar lander hardware, space station hardware, and advanced suit subsystems.

What sets IRPI apart is the way we unite research, mechanical design, and fluid/thermal engineering to deliver robust solutions that are rapidly prototyped, tested, and made flight-ready. We thrive on turning bold ideas into hardware that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

As a Mechanical Engineer II at IRPI, you’ll take on greater ownership of space hardware design and validation while continuing to grow as a technical leader. You’ll be trusted to execute full work packages — from CAD and analysis to in-house prototyping, subsystem testing, and integration with flight hardware. You’ll work closely with senior engineers, principal investigators, and interface with NASA and commercial partners.

This is a hands-on role for engineers who want to expand beyond support tasks into ownership of hardware that sustains crews and enables exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and prototyping of assigned components and subsystems for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems.
• Develop SolidWorks models, assemblies, and detailed drawings with full configuration control.
• Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation setup, procedures, and data analysis.
• Apply FEA/CFD methods to evaluate designs and optimize performance.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and interns on CAD, lab practices, and prototyping techniques.
• Collaborate directly with NASA partners, commercial space operators, and suppliers to deliver qualified hardware.
• Prepare clear documentation, design reviews, and compliance materials consistent with aerospace standards.
• Contribute to proposals, reports, and technical presentations that support company growth.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in aerospace or fluid/thermal hardware development.
• Solid grasp of design, heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanics of materials.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD
• Demonstrated experience with prototyping, fabrication, and common shop tools.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on design and/or fluid/thermal systems.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience, including direct project responsibility.
• Hands-on experience with FEA and/or CFD modeling.
• Proficiency in data-analysis scripting (MATLAB, Python).
• Experience with aerospace test instrumentation and data acquisition (LabVIEW, etc.).
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing and traditional machining processes.
• Exposure to aerospace qualification standards (NASA-STD-5001, MIL-STD-1540, etc.).
• Track record of contributing to technical proposals or customer-facing documentation.

Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 – $125,000 DOE

• 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: Increased ownership of projects, mentorship opportunities, and direct collaboration with customers.
• Mission-Driven Work: Build flight hardware that sustains human life beyond Earth.

How to Apply

Apply through our careers site. Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application holistically 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.