Senior Mechanical Engineer

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth Who We Are: Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics. What You'll Do As a S enior Mechan ical Engineer at Inversion, you will own cradle to grave development of mission-critical hardware on one of the most capable reentry vehicles ever develope d. This role spans flight hardware, prototype systems, tooling, and integration support that enables the pro gram to move quickly from concept to build. You’ll drive mechanical system archi tecture working closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex packaging and manufacturability problems while driving des igns toward real hardware . This role demands a versatile, hands-on engineer who can fluidly move between high-level system architecture, detailed design work, first-principles analysis, hardware testing, and cross-functional collaboration. You will be a key member of the Mechanical team, reporting to the Director of Mechanical. Key Responsibilities Design and develop flight-critical mecha nical systems, brackets, enclosures, mounts, and mechanisms from concept through flight qualification Lead mechanical design of subsystem integration and vehicle packaging , ensuring hardware comes together as a high-performing, coh esive system Perform detailed structural and thermal analysis using FEA and analytical methods to validate designs against hypersonic and spaceflight environments Develop and execute comprehensive test campaigns including functional testing, environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC), life cycle testing, and acceptance testing Create detailed engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), and design specifications Work hands-on with manufacturing and integration teams to build, troubleshoot, and iterate hardware rapidly Drive design reviews and present technical trade studies to inform architecture and component selection decisions Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for custom component procurement, ensuring adherence to schedule and technical requirements Support vehicle integration activities and provide technical expertise during assembly, test, and launch operations Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent technical experience Typically 5 + years of professional experience de veloping hardware for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX, CATIA, Solidworks , or similar) Hands-on experience with structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or equivalent) Demonstrated ability designing for harsh environments including vacuum, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration Deep understanding of mechanical systems including mechanisms, actuators, fasteners, bearings, seals, and material properties Familiarity with environmental testing (shock, vibration, TVAC) and qualification programs for spaceflight hardware Proficiency creatin…