Senior Avionics Mechanical Engineer

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 Senior Electromechanical Engineer at Inversion, you will own the design, analysis, and qualification of complex electromechanical systems that operate in the extreme environments of space and atmospheric re-entry. You will bridge electrical and mechanical disciplines to develop integrated solutions including actuators, sensors, mechanisms, avionics enclosures, and thermal management systems critical to vehicle performance and mission success.

This role demands a hands-on engineer who can move fluidly between detailed design work, first-principles analysis, hardware testing, and cross-functional collaboration. You will work closely with avionics, structures, propulsion, and GNC teams to ensure seamless integration of electromechanical assemblies into our next-generation vehicles. You will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting to the Director of Engineering, Avionics.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop flight-critical electromechanical systems including actuators, deployment mechanisms, separation systems, valves, sensors, and thermal control devices from concept through flight qualification
• Lead mechanical design and packaging of avionics enclosures, sensor mounting systems, and harnessing routes with consideration for mass optimization, thermal management, vibration isolation, and manufacturability
• Perform detailed structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis using FEA and analytical methods to validate designs against spaceflight environments
• Develop and execute comprehensive test campaigns including functional testing, environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal/thermal vacuum, 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 fabrication, assembly, and integration teams to build, troubleshoot, and iterate on hardware rapidly
• Drive design reviews and present technical trade studies to inform architecture and component selection decisions
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to optimize PCB layouts, connector selections, and cable routing for reliability and performance
• 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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Typically, 5+ years of professional experience designing and testing electromechanical systems 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, vibration, shock, and radiation
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems including mechanisms, actuators, fasteners, bearings, seals, and material properties
• Working knowledge of electrical systems including power distribution, sensors, motor control, and basic circuit design
• Experience with environmental testing and qualification programs for flight hardware
• Proficiency creating detailed engineering drawings with GD&T and technical documentation
• Strong collaboration skills and abilit