Staff Mechanisms Engineer

Inversion · Vista · $161,000–$221,000 (stated in the posting)

Advanced Reentry Technologies

Who We Are:

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

Position Overview

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 developed. You’ll drive mechanical system architecture and collaborate with stakeholders across structures, avionics, propulsion, TPS, and GNC to ensure seamless integration of 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
9+ 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
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

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, gimbal 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.

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