A research institute that implements projects related to satellites and other space systems, particularly energy generation and storage; subordinate to the Iran Space Research Center.

Has research groups focused on energy generators, new materials and alloys, heat control elements, and spectroscopy and microelectronics equipment; facilities include metallurgy, chemistry, and heat laboratories.

Projects have included design and construction of fuel cells for space systems; the design and construction of solar panels for satellites, including the Pars-1 and Nahid-2; the development and construction of honeycomb core sandwich structures for space systems, including the Saha satellite; the development and construction of thermal protection for space systems; the design and construction of heat pipes for space systems, including the Pars-1 satellite; the manufacturing of grade 5 titanium alloy hemispheres; and the acquisition of technical knowledge for the design and construction of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Has designed and supplied parts to Mobarakeh Steel Company, which appears on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Claims to hold 28 patents; claims affiliated staff have published 310 journal articles and conference papers; staff have co-authored academic articles with researchers affiliated with Amirkabir University of Technology and Sharif University of Technology in Iran; staff have also co-authored academic articles on technical subjects with researchers affiliated with institutions in Australia, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

Operates a chemistry laboratory (MEI Chem Lab) and several metals laboratories (IMEI Metlab), including:

• Metallurgy laboratory 
• Mechanical properties laboratory
• Material analysis laboratory
• Metallography laboratory
• Non-destructive testing laboratory

Director is Dr. Saeed Asghari; employs around 100 staff.

Established in 1985 or 1986 as the Engineering Research Center; renamed and transferred from the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in 2012.

Distinct from the Materials and Energy Research Center (MERC) under the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology.