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

Space Tango; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Tango is seeking an engineer to apply microfluidics expertise to spaceflight, designing, building, and testing hardware for microgravity research and manufacturing. You will design fluid-handling, thermal systems, model performance with CFD, and create parts and assemblies in SolidWorks while collaborating with science, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.

On-site in Lexington, KY. NASA or aerospace experience is not required, but curiosity and hands-on prototyping are highly

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Modeling microfluidic systems

Hands-on prototyping

Multidisciplinary teamwork

CFD/thermal modeling

Laboratory automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CFD software

Job 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.