Mechanical Engineer – Structures & Mechanisms (Space)

Space Tango; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Tango in Lexington, KY is seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Structures & Mechanisms to design, analyze, fabricate, assemble and test flight-ready mechanical systems for spaceflight payloads and facilities. You will develop SolidWorks models, perform structural analyses, apply GD&T, and collaborate with electrical, software, science, and manufacturing teams.

Occasional travel to support launches and missions may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerances.
• Familiarity with FEA or engineering analysis methods.
• Hands-on experience assembling, integrating, or troubleshooting hardware.
• Strong communication and ability to work across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies, including brackets, enclosures, seals, interfaces, mechanisms, fixtures, and ground-support equipment.
• Develop and maintain SolidWorks models, assemblies, drawings, simulations, and inspection documentation.
• Perform and support structural analyses, including static, nonlinear, vibration, and shock FEA, with attention to model setup, mesh convergence, and validation.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stackups, material selection, and manufacturing knowledge to produce practical, reliable designs.
• Support structural, tolerance, and mechanism trade studies with guidance from senior engineers.
• Work with vendors and internal teams to quote, fabricate, modify, and inspect machined, sheet metal, 3D-printed, and laser-cut parts.
• Support hands‑on assembly, integration, troubleshooting, fit checks, functional and environmental testing, and failure investigations.
• Contribute to design reviews, assembly procedures, test plans, and verification activities.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, science, manufacturing, and test teams; communicate design decisions, results, and issues clearly.
• Apply spaceflight practices for configuration control, cleanliness, material compatibility, safety, and reliability.

Skills

Design experience

Mechanical aptitude

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

FEA software

Job description

Space Tango in Lexington, KY is seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Structures & Mechanisms to design, analyze, fabricate, assemble and test flight-ready mechanical systems for spaceflight payloads and facilities. You will develop SolidWorks models, perform structural analyses, apply GD&T, and collaborate with electrical, software, science, and manufacturing teams.

Occasional travel to support launches and missions may be required.