Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design, analysis, and test of complex mechanical, thermal, and fluid subsystems across multiple active projects
• Mentor mid-level and early-career engineers: review their designs, analyses, and test plans; give direct, constructive feedback; and help them develop sound engineering judgment
• Balance hands-on problem-solving with program-level judgment — know when a detail warrants a deep dive and when it's good enough to move forward
• Lead trade studies, develop design concepts, and drive technical decisions through PDR, CDR, and into flight
• Produce and review detailed SolidWorks models, assemblies, and drawings; enforce configuration control discipline across the team
• Author and maintain bills of materials for prototype and flight builds; coordinate with suppliers and fabricators
• Plan and lead test campaigns: design test setups, write procedures, execute tests, and deliver clear engineering conclusions from the data
• Diagnose and resolve complex design, analysis, or test anomalies — and document your reasoning rigorously
• Serve as a technical point of contact with NASA and commercial partners during reviews and integration activities
• Contribute to IRPI's culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
  • 7+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical and thermal-fluid systems; M.S. counts as 1 year toward this requirement
  • Demonstrated technical depth: you are the person who has solved hard problems, not just contributed to the team that did
  • Proven end-to-end ownership of subsystems through design, analysis, test, and — ideally — flight or qualification
  • Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD, including manufacturing drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing; you build and test, not just simulate
  • Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel, MATLAB, or Python)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present technical conclusions clearly to internal and external stakeholders
  • U.S. citizenship or nationality (required for export-controlled work)
• Nice to Have Experience:
  • Direct experience with NASA program lifecycles, formal design reviews (PDR/CDR), or flight qualification processes
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA-STD-5001, MIL-STD-1540, or similar)
  • Track record of mentoring engineers or leading small technical efforts

Benefits

• Compensation & Perks: Salary: $130,000 - $160,000, based on experience and degree
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
• Retail: 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, close collaboration with principal engineers, and the opportunity to shape technical direction on cutting-edge space programs
• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team developing breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of human 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, technical presentation, or published work, please include it. A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides context not captured in your resume, particularly around programs you've worked on and the nature of your technical contributions.

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.