---
title: 'Staff Mechanisms Engineer at Inversion'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-mechanisms-engineer-inversion-playa-vista-california-0e9gf7n1n045'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-05'
---

# Staff Mechanisms Engineer at Inversion

- **Company:** Inversion
- **Location:** Playa Vista California, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-07-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace/jobs/4717338005

## Job description

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 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
- 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
- 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](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987).

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](https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa) for further details.

## About Inversion

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Inversion builds advanced reentry vehicles to turn space into a global logistics network for Earth, enabling rapid, precise delivery of payloads anywhere on the planet.
- **Entity Type**: Private (funding stage: Series unknown; raised $44M from investors including Y Combinator, plus a $71M U.S. Space Force contract)
- **Headquarters**: Playa Vista, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Justin Fiaschetti and Austin Briggs

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aerospace & Defense – Reentry vehicles, space logistics, hypersonic delivery
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, national security agencies, and future commercial logistics operators (B2G / B2B)
- **Mission**: “To make Earth radically more accessible by turning space into a global logistics network.”

## Products & Services
- **Ray**: Inversion’s first in-house developed spacecraft and reentry capsule, built to validate key subsystems for future vehicles. Developed by a team of 25 for under $1M.
- **Arc**: Flagship autonomous, reusable, low-cost space-based delivery vehicle designed to deploy payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour. Dual-use for defense and commercial applications.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding of $44M (led by Y Combinator and other investors) + $71M Space Force contract
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Y Combinator, Anduril Industries (partnered on space-based interceptors for Golden Dome), U.S. Space Force
- **Growth Signals**: 60-person team, 55,000 sqft facility in Los Angeles, dedicated test site in Mojave Desert, successful orbital flight of Ray, partnership with Anduril for Golden Dome program

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed & cost**: Entire spacecraft developed by 25 people for under $1M – dramatically faster and cheaper than traditional aerospace.
- **In-house vertical integration**: Nearly every system (propulsion, avionics, thermal protection, parachutes) developed internally.
- **Dual-use focus**: Technology serves urgent defense needs while laying groundwork for commercial logistics.
- **Experienced founding team**: Former SpaceX (Raptor engine) and ABL Space Systems engineers.

## Strategic Focus
- **Immediate priority**: Deliver on the Space Force contract and Golden Dome partnership with Anduril for space-based interceptors.
- **Long-term vision**: Build a reusable, on-demand logistics network using Low-Earth Orbit to enable global delivery in under an hour.
- **Technical roadmap**: Scale reentry vehicle production, improve landing precision, and expand military and commercial applications.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “talent density” and “extreme ownership” – a small, high-impact team where every engineer owns critical hardware flying in space.
- **Work environment**: Hands-on, fast iteration – rapid testing at Mojave test site, full machine shop, cleanroom integration facility, and parachute manufacturing on-site.
- **Hybrid / office**: Likely on-site heavy (engineering, manufacturing, testing); HQ in Playa Vista, CA.
- **Perks**: Generous parental leave, family and childcare benefits (per Built In).
- **Engineering culture**: Build and test own hardware; work across GNC, avionics, propulsion, structures, and simulation. 32 open roles on Greenhouse as of mid-2026.

## Sources
1. [inversionspace.com](https://www.inversionspace.com/)
2. [inversionspace.com/company](https://www.inversionspace.com/company)
3. [inversionspace.com/careers](https://www.inversionspace.com/careers)
4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace)
5. [builtin.com/company/inversion-space](https://builtin.com/company/inversion-space)

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