Freelance Lab Test Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.
We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that manage air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions. Our portfolio spans CO₂ removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing, waste management, and fire safety, as well as condensing heat exchangers, propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.
What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to produce hardware that performs in challenging environments. From early-stage concepts to flight-qualified systems, we transform ideas into tested, mission-ready technology that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

As an Engineering Technician, you'll be the hands-on backbone of our lab. Working alongside our early-career, mid-level, and senior engineers, you'll turn designs into physical hardware — building test rigs, assembling engineering units, running laser ablation manufacturing operations, post-processing 3D-printed parts, and keeping our lab and shop equipment running at its best.

This is a builder's role. You'll touch nearly every project in the building, and the quality of your work will show up directly in the test data and flight hardware our team delivers to NASA and commercial space partners. If you take pride in clean assemblies, well-maintained tools, and hardware that works the first time, you'll fit right in.
*This position requires access to export-controlled technology; U.S. citizenship or nationality is required.*

Key Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and modify test rigs and experimental setups under the direction of project engineers.
• Fabricate and assemble engineering units and mechanical assemblies from drawings, CAD models, and verbal direction.
• Operate and maintain laser ablation manufacturing equipment, including setup, fixturing, and quality checks of finished parts.
• Perform post-processing of 3D-printed parts (support removal, curing, surface finishing, inspection) across FDM and SLA workflows.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on lab, shop, and test equipment; troubleshoot issues and coordinate repairs.
• Support engineers during test campaigns — setup, instrumentation hookup, teardown, and hardware turnaround.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and well-stocked shop and lab environment, including tracking consumables and tooling.
• Document builds, maintenance activities, and as-built configurations clearly and consistently.
• Flag design or manufacturability issues early and suggest practical improvements — your hands-on perspective makes our hardware better.
  

We're looking for a technician who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys working across many different projects and processes.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience as a technician, machinist, fabricator, or in a similar mechanical/manufacturing role (relevant trade school, military, or maker experience counts).
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and CAD models.
• Proficiency with common hand and power tools, precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers), and general shop equipment.
• Experience with mechanical assembly — fasteners, fittings, torque specs, and careful handling of precision hardware.
• Familiarity with 3D printing (FDM and/or SLA) and post-processing workflows, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation habits.
• Comfortable working independently on assigned tasks while coordinating with multiple engineers.

Nice to Have

• Experience operating laser-based manufacturing or cutting equipment.
• Experience maintaining or repairing lab, test, or manufacturing equipment.
• Exposure to aerospace, cleanroom, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
• Basic machining skills (mill, lathe) or welding/soldering experience.
• Familiarity with fluid systems (tubing, fittings, leak checks) or test instrumentation

Benefits

Compensation & Perks

• Pay: $29–$41/hr, based on experience and qualifications
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
• Retirement: Employer contributions to help you build long-term security
• Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule
• Family Support: Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance
• Performance Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success
• Professional Growth: Hands-on flight-hardware experience, direct mentorship from engineers at every level, and the chance to grow your skills across manufacturing, test, and assembly
• Mission-Driven Work: Help build breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of exploration

How to Apply

Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application and may also consider you for other positions that align with your skills and interests.

A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides details not captured in your resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.