Space Hardware R&D (Internship, Summer 2026)

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.

We develop flight hardware for spacecraft, habitats, and suits—covering systems for CO₂ removal, air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample preparation, waste management, and fire safety. Our projects range from condensing heat exchangers and filtration systems to propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.

What sets IRPI apart is how we unite research, mechanical design, and fluid/thermal engineering to deliver robust, flight-ready systems. We rapidly turn bold concepts into tested hardware that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

As a Space Hardware R&D Intern, you won't be watching from the sidelines. This role is a hands-on immersion into the full engineering lifecycle. You will design, prototype, build, and test real hardware alongside senior engineers who have put systems in orbit. Image and other data processing along with experimentation will also be included in the scope of work. If you are driven by curiosity, precision, growth, and excellence this is where you start building the future of space exploration.

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

• Design & iterate: create and refine mechanical components using SolidWorks, moving from conceptual sketches to detailed drawings and assemblies.
• Build & prototype: operate in-house additive manufacturing equipment (3D printers) and shop tools to fabricate prototypes and assembly fixtures rapidly.
• Test & validate: assemble test articles, instrument hardware, execute test procedures, and troubleshoot setups for fluid-thermal systems.
• Analyze data: process test results using Excel, MATLAB, or Python to generate clear plots and engineering conclusions that drive design changes.
• Image processing: we often have video based datasets from space that need to be processed. It is likely you will be involved in some level of image processing and data extraction.
• Collaborate: assist senior engineers with trade studies and structural/thermal analysis, contributing active ideas during design reviews and whiteboard sessions.
• Own the details: maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and configuration control to ensure hardware traceability.

• Education: Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Class Standing: Must have Junior or Senior standing (60+ credit hours completed) or be an enrolled Graduate student at the start of the internship.
• Technical Core: Completion of core engineering coursework, specifically Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Mechanics of Materials.
• CAD Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks (or equivalent 3D CAD) for part modeling, assembly, and drafting. SOLIDWORKS Professional certification is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on Aptitude: Demonstrated experience building things outside of a computer (e.g., university labs, personal projects, technical clubs, shop experience).
• Citizenship: U.S. Person status is required (U.S. Citizen or National) due to export control regulations.

• Project Experience: Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, Rocketry Team, CubeSat, or similar design-build-compete organizations.
• Lab Skills: Experience with test instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transducers) and data acquisition (LabVIEW, Arduino, etc.).
• Analysis: Familiarity with FEA/CFD concepts or scripting for data analysis (MATLAB/Python).
• Manufacturing: Exposure to 3D printing, machining, or hardware assembly processes.

• Pay Rate: $27-$34/hr, based on experience and degree
• Real Impact: Opportunity to contribute to real projects that are likely to be flown and/or published
• Networking: Collaboration with teams across NASA and commercial space operators
• Future Potential: Consideration for full-time employment upon graduation for high-performing interns

• Be sure to answer all application questions fully. Our hiring team reviews every application.
• Resume: Limit to 1-2 pages. Highlight projects where you built something and what you did.
• Portfolio (Optional but Encouraged): If you have photos of hardware you have designed, built, or tested, please include a link or attachment. We like seeing your work.
• An unofficial transcript will be requested for all internship candidates.

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.