Mechanical Engineer - IRL

Interlune is a space resources company based in Seattle, WA. We will provide resources from space to power a clean and sustainable economy on Earth and in space. We are looking for a Doer who wants to join our early-stage team and accelerate humanity’s progress toward an off-world future. Our engineering team combines expert knowledge of geological sciences, mechanical engineering, automation, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced fabrication to build the infrastructure that will create an in-space economy. To join our small team, you must be agile, willing to learn, and able to take on multiple roles as needed. As a Mechanical Engineer, this role will join Interlune’s engineering team and be responsible for the physical design, development, and implementation of the critical hardware that will make space resource utilization possible. This position would be full time at the Interlune Research lab (IRL) in Houston, TX. Applicants from all industries are welcome, with particular emphasis in complex, multi-disciplinary system development. Familiarity with and prior experience in the space, oil and gas, construction, or mining industry are valuable but not required. Responsibilities Drive the detailed mechanical design of vacuum system components and assemblies, including pumps, valves, tubing, and heat exchangers, through all lifecycle phases and demonstrate extreme ownership. Develop and design mechanical systems to scale from laboratory testing to production. Conduct analysis for sizing components including hand calcs and FEA. Apply an understanding of electro‑mechanical principles to integrate sensors, instrumentation, controls, and power distribution seamlessly with vacuum hardware. Lead design reviews as system and subsystem designs are established and refined. Oversee the procurement, assembly, and integration of mechanical and vacuum system hardware. Develop and execute test plans to verify and validate system performance from the component level through to fully integrated system tests. Serve as a key design expert, collaborating with other subsystem teams to ensure seamless hardware integration and meet all mission requirements. Required Qualifications B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical subject area. 3+ years of experience in the design of electro‑mechanical systems using a CAD software design package (e.g. Solidworks, NX, CATIA, or Creo) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Direct experience designing and troubleshooting hardware for high vacuum systems. Recent, practical hands‑on experience with hardware assembly, integration, and testing. Familiarity with common manufacturing methods (machining, welding, hand and power tools, etc.). Ability to operate effectively with minimal direction, maintaining a high attention to detail and aspiration for technical excellence, and have a demonstrated track record of resourcefulness and success from previous work. Desired Qualifications M.S. or Ph.D.in Mechanical Engineering, or related technical subject area. Direct experience designing or operating ultra‑high vacuum chambers. Proficiency with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, Abaqus) and fluid analysis tools. Experience programming or configuring control systems (LabVIEW, Python) for vacuum automation. Functional knowledge of electrical systems, data acquisition (DAQ), sensor integration, and wiring schematics to ensure cohesive electro‑mechanical design. Export Control Regulations To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants for employment at Interlune must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Interlune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Compensation range for employees is: Target Levels: Level 2 Range: $110,000 - $150,000 Level 3 Range: $125,000 - $195,000 We will consider candidates with a wide variety of experience levels for this position. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level. Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long‑term disability, and other benefits Paid Time Off: Flexible PTO policy with paid company holidays. #J-18808-Ljbffr