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

Space Tango LLC•Lexington, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Space Tango is seeking an engineer with expertise in microfluidics and thermal systems to develop fluidic and thermal systems for biological research and manufacturing in microgravity. This role requires a blend of analytical, simulation, design, build, and test experience. While prior aerospace experience is not necessary, a strong understanding of microfluidic behavior, system performance modeling, and hands-on prototype development is essential.

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

Nice To Haves

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
Comfortable building prototypes, diagnosing problems, and refining designs
Work well across scientific and engineering disciplines
Curious, practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable with fast-paced development
Experience with pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, manifolds, reservoirs, heat exchangers, or pressure systems
Experience with biological fluids, cell culture systems, sterile fluid paths, or laboratory equipment
Experience with material compatibility, contamination control, or fluid-system cleanliness
Experience with prototype development through verification and production readiness
Experience with pressure, leak, thermal vacuum, vibration, or environmental testing
Experience with aerospace design standards and configuration-controlled development
NASA or aerospace experience

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