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IRPI · 1 week ago

Mechanical Engineer (R&D Fluid Systems)

Wilsonville, OR

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$95K/yr - $135K/yr

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth. They are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to perform rigorous analysis and design for fluid systems, collaborating with NASA and commercial space partners to develop and validate flight-ready hardware.

AerospaceConsultingProduct Research

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

First-Principles Engineering: Perform rigorous analysis and trade studies for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems. You must be able to justify design decisions using fundamental physics, not just "rule of thumb."

Design for Spaceflight: Create novel SolidWorks parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings that survive launch loads and operate reliably in extreme environments

Rapid Prototyping: Operate additive manufacturing equipment and shop tools to fabricate prototypes. If you design it, you should be able to build it

Experimental Validation: Design and assemble complex test rigs. Instrument hardware, write test procedures, and execute data collection for fluid-thermal systems

Data-Driven Conclusion: Process experimental data using Python or MATLAB to generate clear engineering conclusions. You must be able to troubleshoot anomalies and determine root causes

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and engineering, collaborating with NASA partners to integrate your hardware into larger life-support ecosystems

Qualification

Fluid MechanicsHeat TransferThermodynamicsSolidWorksAdditive ManufacturingMATLABPythonCross-Disciplinary CollaborationTechnical Communication

Required

M.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field OR B.S. with a distinguished portfolio of built hardware (Formula SAE, Baja, Rocketry, or complex personal projects) and mastery of first-principles analysis

Deep Fundamental Knowledge: Demonstrated proficiency of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. You will be assessed on your ability to apply these principles to novel scenarios

Design & Build Aptitude: Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) combined with a track record of building physical hardware (Formula SAE, research test rigs, complex hobbyist projects, etc.)

Technical Communication: The ability to distill complex technical data into clear, concise written reports and presentations

U.S. Citizenship: This position requires access to export-controlled technology

Preferred

Experience with FEA/CFD and data-analysis scripting (MATLAB/Python)

A portfolio or thesis demonstrating a deep dive into a technical problem

Familiarity with additive manufacturing and traditional machining processes

Exposure to aerospace qualification standards (NASA-STD-5001, MIL-STD-1540, or similar)

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families

Employer contributions to help you build long-term security

Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule

Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance

Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success

Hands-on experience with flight hardware, mentorship from Senior Engineers and Principals, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge space programs from day one

Be part of a team developing breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of exploration