IRPI · 1 month ago
Space Hardware R&D (Internship, Summer 2026)
Wilsonville, OR
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$27/hr - $34/hr
Start in 2026 SummerIRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth. As a Space Hardware R&D Intern, you will engage in the full engineering lifecycle, including designing, prototyping, and testing real hardware alongside experienced engineers.
AerospaceConsultingProduct Research
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design & iterate: create and refine mechanical components using SolidWorks, moving from conceptual sketches to detailed drawings and assemblies
Build & prototype: operate in-house additive manufacturing equipment (3D printers) and shop tools to fabricate prototypes and assembly fixtures rapidly
Test & validate: assemble test articles, instrument hardware, execute test procedures, and troubleshoot setups for fluid-thermal systems
Analyze data: process test results using Excel, MATLAB, or Python to generate clear plots and engineering conclusions that drive design changes
Image processing: we often have video based datasets from space that need to be processed. It is likely you will be involved in some level of image processing and data extraction
Collaborate: assist senior engineers with trade studies and structural/thermal analysis, contributing active ideas during design reviews and whiteboard sessions
Own the details: maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and configuration control to ensure hardware traceability
Qualification
Required
Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Must have Junior or Senior standing (60+ credit hours completed) or be an enrolled Graduate student at the start of the internship
Completion of core engineering coursework, specifically Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Mechanics of Materials
Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks (or equivalent 3D CAD) for part modeling, assembly, and drafting
Demonstrated experience building things outside of a computer (e.g., university labs, personal projects, technical clubs, shop experience)
U.S. Person status is required (U.S. Citizen or National) due to export control regulations
Preferred
Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, Rocketry Team, CubeSat, or similar design-build-compete organizations
Experience with test instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transducers) and data acquisition (LabVIEW, Arduino, etc.)
Familiarity with FEA/CFD concepts or scripting for data analysis (MATLAB/Python)
Exposure to 3D printing, machining, or hardware assembly processes
Benefits
Pay Rate: $27-$34/hr, based on experience and degree
Real Impact: Opportunity to contribute to real projects that are likely to be flown and/or published
Networking: Collaboration with teams across NASA and commercial space operators
Future Potential: Consideration for full-time employment upon graduation for high-performing interns
Company
IRPI
IRPI is a research organization that specializes in microgravity research, space technology, computation and modelling solutions.
Founded in 2011
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageRecent News
Google Patent
2025-06-01
Google Patent
2025-02-20
Google Patent
2025-02-20
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