Staff Mechanisms 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  Staff Mechanisms Engineer  at Inversion, you will  own  cradle to grave  development of mission-critical mechanisms on one of the most capable reentry vehicles ever develope d.  You’ll  drive  mechanical  system archi tecture and collaborate  with  stakeholders across structures, avionics, propulsion, TPS, and GNC to ensure seamless integration o f the mechanical assemblies into our next-generation vehicles.   This role demands a 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 own designs from  initial  concept through  qualification and into production.  You will be a key member of the  Mechanical  team, reporting to the  Director of Mechanical.     Key Responsibilities  

Design and develop  flight-critical mechanisms  including actuators, deployment mechanisms, separation systems, and cartridge actuated devices from concept through flight qualification   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   8 + years of  professional  experience   designing ,  analysising , and  testing mechanisms and moving mechanical assemblies (MMA) 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   Experience with  environmental testing   (shock, vibration, TVAC)  and qualification programs for spaceflight hardware   Proficiency  creating detailed  engineering drawings   with GD&T and other  technical documentation   Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills   Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment  

Desired Qualifications  

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience   Experience  with spacecraft and aerospace mechanisms  such as deployment systems, control surfaces, separation mechanisms, solar array drives,   gimb a l systems , or cartridge actuated devices   Familiarity with  propulsion system components  including valves, pressure vessels, feed systems, and fluid interfaces   Experience supporting  prototype builds and rapid design iteration in a hardware-rich environment   Prior work in fast-paced startup environments or small multidisciplinary teams  

  Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.   The California annual base salary for this role is currently $161,000 - $221,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  ITAR Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR  here .     Equal Employment Opportunity: Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.     Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.  If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice   for further details.