Mechanical Engineer - Microfluidics & Thermal Systems (Level I, II, or Senior)

On-siteUnited States

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

About the opportunity

Description Want to apply your microfluidics experience to spaceflight?

Space Tango is looking for an engineer who combines analytical and simulation experience with the ability to design, build, and test real hardware. This role develops the fluidic and thermal systems that support biological research and manufacturing in microgravity.

You do not need previous aerospace or space industry experience. We are primarily looking for someone who understands microfluidic behavior, can model and evaluate system performance, and enjoys hands-on prototype development and troubleshooting.

What You’ll Do

Design microfluidic, fluid-handling, and thermal systems for automated research payloads
Model fluid flow, pressure drop, heat transfer, and system performance using CFD or related simulation tools
Design tubing layouts, manifolds, reservoirs, pumps, valves, fittings, heat exchangers, and thermal interfaces
Develop parts, assemblies, and drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD software
Translate analytical results into practical designs and testable hardware
Build, assemble, integrate, and troubleshoot prototypes and flight systems
Plan and support flow, pressure, leak, thermal, vibration, and environmental testing
Select materials and components based on reliability, cleanliness, compatibility, and manufacturability
Collaborate with science, electrical, software, manufacturing, and test teams
Document designs, calculations, test results, and engineering decisions
Who We’re Looking For

You might be a great fit if you

Have experience modeling microfluidic or small-scale fluid systems
Enjoy moving between analysis, design, the laboratory, and hands-on hardware
Understand how pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, manifolds, and fluid properties affect system performance
Can use simulation to guide design decisions—and validate those decisions through testing
Are comfortable building prototypes, diagnosing problems, and refining designs
Work well across scientific and engineering disciplines
Are curious, practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable with fast-paced development
Your Background Could Be In…
Relevant experience may come from microfluidics, biomedical devices, laboratory automation, life sciences, diagnostics, biotechnology, chemical processing, thermal-fluid systems, precision instrumentation, aerospace, or another field involving small-scale fluid control.
NASA or aerospace experience is helpful, but not required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
Experience designing and analyzing microfluidic, fluidic, or thermal systems
Experience with CFD, thermal modeling, fluid-system simulation, or related analytical tools
Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
Hands-on experience building, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting engineering hardware
Understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and mechanical design fundamentals
Strong communication and multidisciplinary teamwork skills
Helpful Experience
Pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, manifolds, reservoirs, heat exchangers, or pressure systems
Biological fluids, cell culture systems, sterile fluid paths, or laboratory equipment
Material compatibility, contamination control, or fluid-system cleanliness
Prototype development through verification and production readiness
Pressure, leak, thermal vacuum, vibration, or environmental testing
Aerospace design standards and configuration-controlled development
Location: Lexington, Kentucky | On-site
Travel: Occasional travel may be required for launches, partner integrations, and mission support.
Space Tango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to any legally protected status.
This position may require access to technology or information controlled under U.S. export control laws, including ITAR and EAR. Employment is contingent upon the ability to obtain any required authorization and comply with applicable export control requirements.

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Mechanical Engineer - Microfluidics & Thermal Systems (Level I, II, or Senior)

About the opportunity

What You’ll Do

You might be a great fit if you

Requirements

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