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IRPI · 6 hours ago

Mechanical Design Engineer (Space Hardware)

Wilsonville, OR

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$85K/yr - $125K/yr

1+ years exp

IRPI pioneers the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will take ownership of component and subsystem design for active NASA and commercial space contracts, driving the creation of hardware that advances human space exploration.

AerospaceConsultingProduct Research

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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

Qualification

Mechanical DesignSolidWorksAdditive ManufacturingFluid DynamicsThermal ManagementCNC MachiningStructural AnalysisTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingCommunication Skills

Required

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

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

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/principal engineers, 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