Senior Optical Engineer

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Layer for EarthAbout Us:Eras of humanity can frequently be characterized by a prevailing mode of transportation—whether it be horse-drawn chariots, ocean vessels, or aircraft. This evolution was driven by a dedicated group of innovators focused on developing technology to enhance global connectivity. At Inversion Space, we aspire to initiate a new era defined by unrestricted access to the entire globe, unhindered by borders, and establish a routine connection from space to Earth. Our mission is realized through the creation of highly agile re-entry vehicles capable of loitering in orbit before executing precision landings back on Earth.Role Overview:As a Senior Software Engineer (Ground Software) at Inversion Space, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the interface and functionality of our next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will be responsible for architecting, building, and deploying critical software systems that facilitate the command and control of space vehicles. Collaborating closely with teams in Flight Software, Avionics, and Simulation, your contributions will be essential in delivering reliable and robust tools for directing and monitoring vehicles and assets both on the ground and in space. Your efforts will directly support the development of the world’s first re-entry vehicle designed to transform space into a transportation layer for Earth. You will be a vital member of the Processing Core team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Processing Core.Key Responsibilities:This position encompasses the complete lifecycle of ground software, from test infrastructure and simulation to qualification and mission operations.

Transforming Space into Earth's Transportation LayerAbout Us:At Inversion Space, we believe that the eras of humanity are often defined by the prevalent modes of transportation—from horse-drawn chariots to ocean-faring vessels and aircraft. Our mission is to usher in a new epoch characterized by global accessibility, unhindered by borders, and establish a seamless transit system from space to Earth. We are developing innovative re-entry vehicles capable of orbiting before executing precise landings back on Earth.Role OverviewAs a Senior Back-end Engineer at Inversion, you will be an integral member of our simulation team, responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the architecture and server-side logic for applications that support our flight systems' simulation and testing environments. Your expertise will ensure the continuous integration and realistic testing of flight software and hardware. You will be pivotal in creating data management and self-service tools that foster rapid and repeatable development and deployment workflows, thus empowering our engineering teams to accelerate the development lifecycle and deliver our products to customers with unmatched speed and efficiency.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, deploy, and uphold the server-side logic and infrastructure for applications that facilitate simulation workflows, including high-performance computing (HPC), software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is working to make space a practical transportation layer for Earth. The team is focused on developing re-entry vehicles that enable reliable, precise connections between space and the ground, aiming for global access without boundaries. Role Overview: Ground Test Engineer II This role centers on ground testing for re-entry systems before flight. The Ground Test Engineer II leads arc jet test campaigns, coordinates wind tunnel operations, and manages post-test data analysis. The position plays a key part in ensuring the readiness and performance of re-entry vehicles. What You Will Do Plan, execute, and analyze arc jet test campaigns from start to finish. Work closely with teams across disciplines to confirm test data is accurate and reliable. Participate in technical risk assessments and validate models to support vehicle design improvements. Location Playa Vista, California, United States

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Network for EarthAbout Us:At Inversion Space, we believe that pivotal eras in human history are often marked by advancements in transportation — from horse-drawn carriages to modern aircraft. We are on a mission to create a world where access to the entire globe is unhindered by borders, establishing a routine connection from space to Earth. Our innovative approach involves developing highly agile re-entry vehicles capable of orbiting and landing with precision.Role OverviewAs a Senior Test and Automation Engineer, you will be a crucial part of our simulation team, responsible for the design, testing, maintenance, and enhancement of automated hardware systems that facilitate our flight system simulation and testing environments. The simulation team ensures the continuous integration and rigorous testing of flight software and hardware under realistic conditions. Your expertise will be essential in automating electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches, fostering rapid and efficient development and deployment workflows across our engineering teams. Your contributions will empower us to deliver our cutting-edge products to customers with unmatched speed and flexibility.Key ResponsibilitiesAutomate provisioning, deployment, execution, operation, and logging tasks to maximize resource efficiency.Develop emulators for flight hardware to support rigorous testing and validation processes.

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Network for EarthAbout Us:Eras of human history are often characterized by prevailing modes of transportation—be it horse-drawn carriages, ocean vessels, or aircraft. These advancements have been propelled by visionary individuals dedicated to crafting technologies that enable quicker access to the world. Our mission is to pioneer a new epoch of global connectivity, providing unrestricted access to the entire planet, unhindered by borders, and creating a routine pathway from space to Earth. To accomplish this, we are developing highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles capable of orbiting and executing precision landings back on Earth.Your Responsibilities:As a Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Design Engineer at Inversion Space, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our re-entry vehicles that are at the forefront of hypersonic flight. Collaborating closely with our aerothermal and structural teams, you will design, manufacture, and integrate high-performance, cost-efficient TPS for our innovative lifting-body re-entry vehicles. Key responsibilities include:Designing cutting-edge thermal protection systems for Inversion’s Arc vehicle.Coordinating the development and qualification testing of TPS materials and installations.Creating accelerated TPS integration methods to streamline manufacturing processes.Developing analysis and design workflows for flight heat shields associated with our flight vehicles.Evaluating trade-offs between TPS materials and manufacturing techniques.Collaborating with external vendors, suppliers, and testing resources to incorporate new materials, capabilities, and processes into Inversion.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is building a new chapter in transportation by connecting space and Earth through routine, precise re-entry vehicles. Our team works to remove barriers and enable regular transit between orbit and the ground, supporting global connectivity in ways not seen before. Role Overview The Senior Application Administrator / Systems Engineer is responsible for deploying, configuring, maintaining, and supporting enterprise applications and cloud services. This role ensures the smooth operation of engineering, development, and manufacturing systems, including CAD/CAM platforms, development toolchains, and cloud-native infrastructure that meets government compliance standards. Key Responsibilities Manage and support enterprise applications, such as: CAD/CAM platforms (Siemens NX, Teamcenter, Mastercam) Development tools (Git, CI/CD pipelines, container platforms) Oversee and maintain cloud environments, including: AWS GovCloud Azure Government (GCCH) Google Cloud (as applicable) Deploy, configure, and support containerized applications Location Playa Vista, California, United States

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is working to make space a practical transportation layer for Earth. The team is developing maneuverable re-entry vehicles designed for precise landings, aiming to connect space and terrestrial travel in new ways. Role Overview The Senior Avionics Engineer will design and implement avionics systems for advanced re-entry vehicles. This position calls for an engineer who works well independently, adapts quickly, and takes initiative. The role involves building the foundation for Inversion's avionics architecture and setting technical standards for the team. This position reports to the Director of Engineering, Avionics. Engineers at Inversion Space manage the full hardware lifecycle, from development and testing to integration. What You Will Do Develop avionics systems from concept through delivery, including architecture, design, integration, and verification. Lead technical execution of avionics projects, keeping work aligned with company goals. Location Playa Vista, California, United States

Transforming Space into a Global Transportation NetworkAbout Us:Throughout history, humanity has been defined by its primary modes of transportation—whether horse-drawn carriages, seafaring vessels, or aircraft. A visionary group at Inversion Space is dedicated to ushering in a new era where global connectivity is seamlessly achieved through space—free from borders and with a reliable pathway between Earth and orbit. Our mission involves developing cutting-edge, highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles designed to orbit before executing precision landings back on Earth.Your Role:As a Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer, you will be instrumental in characterizing the aerothermodynamic environment surrounding our innovative reentry platform. This vehicle will be the first of its kind—highly accurate, maneuverable, and cost-effective. You'll play a critical role in advanced modeling efforts, focusing on developing, enhancing, and deploying state-of-the-art CFD tools and workflows.Daily responsibilities will include leading the development of high-fidelity simulations, mentoring junior team members, and being the driving force behind building confidence in our vehicle models. This position offers a rare opportunity to shape the CFD strategy for pioneering technologies, creatively tackling unique challenges in high-speed flow, and contributing significantly to the design of next-generation hypersonic systems.Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in DSMC simulation or have familiarity with multi-physics plasma environments, coupled with a passion for pushing simulation tools to their limits and a commitment to extending them as needed.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space aims to make transportation truly global by building advanced re-entry vehicles that connect space and Earth. The team is working to enable access to every part of the planet, pioneering new ways to move goods and information across borders. Role Overview The Senior Avionics Electro-Mechanical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and qualification of complex electromechanical systems for spacecraft that must operate reliably in the extreme conditions of space and atmospheric re-entry. This role blends electrical and mechanical engineering to create integrated solutions, such as actuators, sensors, mechanisms, avionics enclosures, and thermal management systems, that are essential for vehicle performance and mission objectives. This is a hands-on engineering position. The engineer will take on detailed design work, apply first-principles analysis, conduct hardware testing, and collaborate with colleagues from avionics, structures, propulsion, and GNC. The goal: ensure electromechanical assemblies fit seamlessly into the Arc spacecraft. This position reports to the Director of Engineering, Avionics, and sits within the Avionics team. Key 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. Location Playa Vista, California, United States

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Layer for EarthAbout Us:Throughout history, eras have often been characterized by the prevailing mode of transportation—be it horse-drawn chariots, sailing ships, or aircraft. This evolution has been driven by innovative thinkers dedicated to developing technology that enables faster and more efficient global access. At Inversion Space, we aim to initiate a groundbreaking era defined by unrestricted access to every corner of the globe, facilitating a routine transportation method from space to Earth. Our mission involves creating highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles capable of loitering in orbit before executing precision landings back on Earth.Position Overview:We are on the lookout for a meticulous and highly skilled Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Technician to assist in the fabrication, installation, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems across our flight hardware. This pivotal role is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of our heat shield systems, which include both ablative materials and reusable tile-based protection. You will collaborate closely with engineering and integration teams to bring designs to life, taking charge of the hands-on execution of TPS processes in our dynamic startup environment.Key Responsibilities:Fabricate, install, bond, and finish ablative TPS materials on flight hardware.Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure adherence to specifications.Conduct refurbishments and maintenance of existing thermal protection systems.Analyze and troubleshoot TPS issues to enhance performance.Document processes and maintain detailed records of TPS operations.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space aims to redefine global transportation by building a seamless network between space and Earth. The team is focused on developing advanced re-entry vehicles that can remain in orbit and return with precision, enabling new possibilities for connectivity and logistics. Role Overview The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will shape hardware for spacecraft and hypersonic projects, taking concepts through rapid iteration to production. This position covers flight hardware, prototype systems, integration support, and tooling. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is central, especially when solving packaging and manufacturability challenges to turn designs into working hardware. Key Responsibilities Design mechanical systems, structures, brackets, enclosures, mounts, and mechanisms for a range of spacecraft and hypersonic programs. Location Playa Vista, California, United States

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is building a new era of transportation by developing re-entry vehicles that can orbit and return to Earth with precision. The team aims to make space a practical extension of Earth’s transportation network, enabling reliable and borderless access across the globe. Role Overview The Tooling Engineer II position is based in Playa Vista, California. This engineer plays a key part in speeding up development and supporting scalable systems at Inversion Space. The focus is on designing and fabricating practical tooling for flight hardware, especially for thermal protection systems (TPS). What You Will Do Lead the design of tooling for assembly, handling, transport, and inspection of flight hardware and development articles. Work closely with technicians, manufacturing teams, and design engineers to deliver efficient and durable tooling solutions. Develop specialized tooling to support the integration and inspection of thermal protection systems.

Transforming Space into a Global Transportation NetworkAbout Us:Humanity's eras are often marked by dominant modes of transportation, from horse-drawn carriages to aircraft. These advancements were driven by visionaries dedicated to creating technologies that enhance global accessibility. We aim to ignite a new epoch characterized by seamless access from space to Earth, developing agile re-entry vehicles designed to orbit before accurately landing back on our planet.Your Role:The Special Projects team at Inversion is a dynamic unit within the Office of the CTO, comprised of top-tier engineering professionals from varied disciplines. This team is committed to pioneering new technologies, products, and research initiatives. Members are expected to swiftly develop a comprehensive understanding of various interdisciplinary skills and technologies, even those that may be new to them.Individuals who flourish in this environment are those who embrace challenges, innovate from the ground up, and defy limitations. If you seek structure or detailed guidance, this is not the role for you. However, if you thrive on tackling formidable challenges and pushing boundaries, you will find a perfect fit here.In this position, you will:Collaborate closely with the CTO to design, architect, and launch groundbreaking technologies.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is working to make space a practical part of Earth's transportation network. The team is developing advanced re-entry vehicles designed for precise landings and reliable returns from orbit. The goal: create a standardized route connecting space and Earth, expanding global access. Role Overview: Avionics Harness Engineer II The Avionics Harness Engineer II joins the Avionics team to design and integrate harnesses from early concepts through full system integration. This role involves selecting components, developing processes, qualifying designs, and supporting production. The position offers hands-on work at both the subsystem and system level, with frequent collaboration across engineering disciplines. The Avionics Harness Engineer II reports to the Director of Engineering, Avionics.

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Layer for EarthAbout Us:Throughout history, humanity has been defined by its modes of transportation—be it horse-drawn chariots, ocean vessels, or aircraft. These advancements have always stemmed from a passionate group of innovators devoted to creating technologies that enable faster and broader access to our world. Our mission is to instigate a new era of exploration, characterized by unrestricted global access and a reliable connection between space and Earth. To achieve this, we are developing advanced re-entry vehicles designed to maneuver in orbit and execute precise landings back on Earth.Role Overview:We are in search of a dynamic Director of Engineering, Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operations at Inversion Space. This pivotal leader will oversee the comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem within our organization, which includes precision machining, harnessing, mechanical assembly, and parachute systems.Your primary responsibility will be to create and expand a world-class aerospace manufacturing organization that is efficient, cost-effective, quality-focused, and able to support increasing production rates of flight hardware.In this role, you will spearhead operational excellence initiatives, production planning, workforce scaling, capital strategy, and process optimization across all manufacturing disciplines.This position reports directly to executive leadership and is a crucial member of the technical leadership team within the company.

Inversion Space develops advanced re-entry vehicles designed for precise landings and reliable returns from orbit. The company’s work centers on spacecraft that expand the possibilities for space-to-Earth transportation. Role overview The Staff Flight Safety Engineer leads efforts in flight safety analysis and regulatory certification for Inversion Space’s re-entry vehicles. This role supports the safe return of spacecraft by providing technical analysis and guidance throughout the design and licensing process. Working closely with the Missions team, the engineer ensures all flight operations align with strict safety requirements and contributes to the foundation of flight safety products. What you will do Develop and maintain internal tools for flight safety analysis and trajectory simulation, primarily using Python and/or MATLAB. Location Based in Playa Vista, California, United States.

Inversion Space seeks a Senior Executive Assistant to work closely with the Chief Technology Officer in Playa Vista, California. This role requires a steady hand in organization, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to handle shifting priorities with composure. Main responsibilities Oversee the CTO’s calendar, appointments, and daily agenda Arrange and coordinate meetings, handling logistics and preparing materials Serve as a communication link between the CTO and teams throughout the company Requirements Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives Strong multitasking and organizational skills Clear and effective communication, both written and verbal Attention to detail with proactive problem-solving abilities The team at Inversion Space values initiative and direct communication while working toward ambitious goals in space technology.

Transforming Space into a Seamless Transportation Network for EarthAbout Us:Humanity’s progression can often be characterized by its prevailing modes of transportation—be it horse-drawn chariots, ships traversing oceans, or innovative aircraft. These advancements have historically been driven by visionary individuals dedicated to developing technologies that provide faster access across our planet. At Inversion Space, we aim to herald a new era defined by unrestricted global access, eliminating borders, and establishing a routine connection from space to Earth. Our goal is to engineer highly agile re-entry vehicles capable of orbiting before executing precision landings back on Earth.Your Role:As a GNC Engineer II at Inversion Space, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and performance of our next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will be responsible for critical elements of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems that facilitate the accurate and precise landing of our Arc spacecraft. This includes developing innovative algorithms for the final phases of flight, creating modeling and simulation frameworks for rapid iteration, and conducting flight tests to meet performance benchmarks. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the foundational stages of a groundbreaking re-entry vehicle, shaping vehicle architecture, and creatively addressing new design challenges. Your contributions will influence all facets of the GNC systems that drive the world’s first re-entry vehicle designed to convert space into a transportation layer for Earth. You will be an essential member of the Accurate Landing team, directly reporting to the Director of Engineering for Accurate Landing.

About Inversion Space Inversion Space is working to make space a practical transportation layer for Earth. The team is building agile re-entry vehicles that orbit and return to precise landing sites, aiming to remove borders and enable routine access between space and the planet. Role Overview: Senior Network and Security Operations Administrator This position safeguards network infrastructure and manages identity systems across both corporate and enclave environments. The Senior Network and Security Operations Administrator monitors security events and enforces access controls, network security, logging, and incident response. All work aligns with NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and DFARS compliance standards. This role serves as the primary operator for security monitoring, maintaining visibility, detection, and response for all systems that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Main Responsibilities Administer identity systems such as Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, and GCCH tenants. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), conditional access, and least privilege principles. Oversee privileged accounts and maintain separation of duties. Location Playa Vista, California, United States