Mechanical Design Engineer (Space Hardware) presso IRPI LLC

Description

IRPI pioneers the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth. We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and space suits, advancing the critical technology that manages air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions.

What makes IRPI unique is our seamless integration of research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering. 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 Mechanical Design Engineer, you will take ownership of component and subsystem design for active NASA and commercial space contracts. You won’t just be a cog in a machine; you will drive the creation of hardware that advances human space exploration.

This role requires a candidate who is adept in complex mechanical design using SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD), with a passion for solving difficult packaging and fabrication challenges.

This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full design lifecycle for space hardware, managing both inherited legacy designs and new concepts from initial sketch through detailed design, assembly, and integration.
• Design complex parts and assemblies for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), involving fluid dynamics, thermal management, and structural integrity.
• Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques, specifically designing for metallic and polymer additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC machining, and molding.
• Translate designs into production realities, leveraging both internal manufacturing capabilities and external vendors to establish efficient fabrication processes.
• Develop novel manufacturing and prototyping methods to support cutting-edge research and development (R&D) efforts where standard processes do not exist.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis (FEA) as needed to validate designs, ensuring hardware can withstand rigorous spaceflight environments.
• Collaborate with senior engineering leadership to refine requirements and iterate rapidly on prototypes, balancing speed with technical rigor.
• Demonstrate deep mechanical design expertise, taking accountability for individual design outcomes while contributing to broader system optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design (professional experience, significant internships, or intensive university project teams are applicable).
• Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO), with a specific focus on complex part modeling, surfacing, and intricate geometries rather than large assembly management.
• Demonstrated experience with Additive Manufacturing, specifically designing parts for metal (e.g., DMLS) and polymer (e.g., SLA, SLS) printing.
• Knowledge of fluid or thermal systems, including an understanding of how to design components that interface with valves, seals, and flow paths for environmental control.
• Solid understanding of fabrication fundamentals, including CNC machining and molding, with the ability to apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to complex parts.
• Ability to perform basic structural and thermal hand calculations or initial FEA simulations to validate component integrity.
• A solid understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.

Benefits

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $85,000 – $125,000, 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/principal 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.

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.