Mechanical Test Engineer (Entry-Level) at IRPI in Wilsonville, OR

IRPI develops advanced fluid, thermal, and life-support systems that make human space exploration possible. Partnering with NASA and commercial spaceflight leaders, we design, build, and test critical flight hardware tailored for microgravity and partial-gravity environments.

As a lean, high-performance team, we bridge the gap between first-principles research and operational spaceflight. Our engineers own the full project lifecycle—from early concept and laboratory prototyping to delivering validated hardware. Whether tackling propellant management, air revitalization, thermal control, or waste processing, we combine rigorous analysis with hands-on engineering to solve complex multidisciplinary problems and expand the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

We are looking for someone early in their career who already has hands-on experience building, instrumenting, or testing hardware through internships, research labs, student engineering teams, or prior work. This is not a purely theoretical role—successful candidates should be comfortable working with physical hardware, troubleshooting experiments, and learning quickly in a fast-paced lab environment.

Candidates should be able to point to specific projects or experiences where they personally built, tested, or debugged hardware systems. Applicants without meaningful hands-on engineering experience are unlikely to be a good fit for this role.

Working closely with experienced engineers with flight heritage, you’ll gain exposure to the full development cycle—from prototype builds and additive manufacturing to lab testing and system validation. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys experimentation, problem-solving, and learning how complex hardware behaves in the real world.

If you’re driven by curiosity, precision, and the desire to help prove out technologies that will fly in space, IRPI is where you can start building the future of space systems.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of tests for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems used in spaceflight hardware.
• Design and assemble test setups, fixtures, and instrumentation to evaluate prototype and flight hardware performance.
• Instrument hardware using sensors such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, and flow meters; ensure proper calibration and data acquisition.
• Execute test procedures, monitor experiments, and collect high-quality engineering data.
• Troubleshoot experimental setups, diagnose anomalies, and help resolve hardware or instrumentation issues during testing.
• Process and analyze experimental data using tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or Python; generate clear plots and engineering conclusions.
• Document test configurations, procedures, results, and deviations in formal test reports and internal documentation.
• Assist with prototype fabrication using additive manufacturing and shop tools to build test fixtures and experimental hardware.
• Assemble and prepare test articles and support hardware builds for development and flight programs.
• Contribute to design reviews and technical discussions by providing feedback based on experimental observations and test results.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and external partners across NASA programs, commercial space customers, and suppliers.

This role is ideal for early-career engineers who enjoy hands-on experimentation, troubleshooting hardware, and learning how real systems behave through testing. Successful candidates are curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to develop strong experimental engineering skills while supporting technologies that will go to space.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, etc.).
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience building, instrumenting, or testing hardware through internships, research labs, engineering teams (e.g., Formula SAE, rocketry, robotics), or similar projects.
• Experience assembling prototypes, test rigs, or experimental hardware using common shop tools and fabrication methods.
• Ability to collect, process, and interpret experimental data using tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or Python.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for creating basic parts, assemblies, or test fixtures.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to methodically diagnose issues with hardware or experimental setups.
• Clear and concise technical writing and communication skills for documenting tests and reporting results.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with research or laboratory experience in fluids, thermal systems, or experimental testing.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems (thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, DAQ systems, LabVIEW, etc.).
• 1–3 years of relevant experience through internships, co-ops, research assistantships, or significant hands-on student engineering projects.
• Experience designing or building test fixtures, experimental apparatus, or prototype hardware.
• Familiarity with data analysis, scripting, or automation using MATLAB or Python.
• Experience with additive manufacturing, machining, or fabrication techniques used to build prototypes and test hardware.
• Exposure to aerospace or high-reliability engineering practices (e.g., NASA standards, test procedures, configuration control, or structured test documentation).

Benefits

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000, 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 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.

If you have a thesis, dissertation, portfolio, or technical presentation, please include it. A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides details not captured in your resume.

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.