Lead Scientist – Microgravity Fluidics / Microfluidics

Revolution Space; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays & sick time

Excellent health and dental plans (80%

4% 401k matching, immediate vesting

Life insurance

Long term / Short term disability

Job summary

Revolution Space in the Boston area is seeking a Lead Scientist to drive research on microgravity fluidics, microfluidics, and capillary-driven systems. The role focuses on designing, characterizing, and optimizing fluid behavior in constrained, low-gravity environments, with cross-functional collaboration to accelerate product development.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MS in a relevant field, 8–10+ years of experience, excellent communication, and strong documentation skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or related field.
• 8–10+ years of relevant experience in industry, government, or advanced research.
• Experience designing and conducting complex fluidics experiments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and clear technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives related to microgravity fluidics, microfluidics, and capillary flow systems.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving fluid transport, wetting, surface tension, and capillary-driven systems.
• Translate theoretical fluid dynamics concepts into practical experimental solutions and prototypes.
• Collaborate with engineering, hardware, modeling, and systems teams to advance product development.
• Maintain thorough documentation, protocols, and design records; present findings to stakeholders.
• Support lab operations, testing oversight, equipment setup, calibration, and safety compliance.

Skills

Microgravity fluidics

Microfluidics

Capillary flow

Surface tension

Multiphase flow

Independent problem solving

Technical documentation

Education

PhD or MS in Mechanical Eng/Chemical Eng/Physics/Aerospace Eng/Fluid Dynamics

Tools

CFD modeling

Instrumentation & prototyping

Job description

Position Summary:

Revolution Space is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Scientist with deep expertise in microgravity fluidics, microfluidics, and capillary-driven fluid systems to lead research, development, and experimental efforts for next-generation fluidic technologies. This role will focus on the design, characterization, and optimization of fluid behavior in constrained, low-gravity, and capillary-dominant environments.

The ideal candidate combines strong scientific rigor with practical laboratory experience and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This individual must be an excellent communicator who can clearly document technical findings, guide cross-functional teams, and solve complex engineering and scientific challenges efficiently.

This role is onsite in the Woburn/Boston Area.

Responsibilities:

• Lead scientific research and development initiatives related to microgravity fluidics, microfluidics, and capillary flow systems
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving fluid transport, wetting phenomena, surface tension effects, and capillary-driven systems
• Translate theoretical fluid dynamics concepts into practical experimental solutions and prototypes
• Collaborate closely with engineering, hardware, modeling, and systems teams to advance product and technology development
• Maintain clear and thorough technical documentation, experimental protocols, reports, and design records
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Support laboratory operations & test oversight including guidance for equipment setup, testing, calibration, and safety compliance

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or related scientific discipline
• 8–10+ years of relevant industry, government, or advanced research experience
• Strong background in:
• • Microgravity fluidics
  • Microfluidic systems
  • Capillary fluid dynamics
  • Surface tension and wetting phenomena
  • Multiphase flow behavior
• Demonstrated laboratory experience designing and conducting complex fluidics experiments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to produce clear technical documentation and experimental reports
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with shifting priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace, spaceflight, or reduced-gravity research programs
• Familiarity with CFD modeling or fluid simulation tools
• Experience with prototype development and instrumentation
• Background working with interdisciplinary engineering teams
• Experience with hardware testing, validation, and system integration
• Scientifically curious and hands-on
• Detail-oriented while maintaining strong execution speed
• Strong communicator capable of translating complex technical concepts clearly
• Adaptable and resourceful in solving ambiguous technical problems
• Collaborative leader who enjoys working across disciplines

Benefits:

• Paid holidays, sick time and unmetered vacation
• Excellent health and dental plans with 80% employer contribution
• 4% company matching 401k with immediate vesting
• Life insurance
• Long term / Short term disability

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanents residents of the U.S., or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected factor.