Mechanical Engineer I/II - Structures & Mechanisms

Description

Space Tango is an innovative space technology small business based in Lexington, Ky. Space Tango's mission is to manufacture health and technology products in space that create value and transformational solutions. Space Tango provides space-based automated facilities and payloads to support research and development and small-scale manufacturing needs of our partners and customers in the Low Earth Orbit environment and beyond. As a leader in automated systems, Space Tango pursues pathways to on-orbit production. Our vision is to inspire, innovate, and create a better future for humanity by utilizing the environment of space.

The Mechanical Engineer – Structures & Mechanisms is responsible for the design, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical structures, mechanisms, fixtures, and high-reliability hardware. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role transforms early concepts into manufacturable, testable, and flight-ready mechanical systems that support Space Tango's spaceflight payloads and facilities. 

Travel may be required to support launches, customer activities, partner integrations, and mission operations.  

 Key Responsibilities 

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for spaceflight payloads, research systems, and ground-support equipment.  
• Develop and maintain mechanical designs in SolidWorks, including part models, assemblies, drawings, simulations, and inspection documentation.  
• Design brackets, enclosures, seals, interfaces, fixtures, mechanisms, and test articles.  
• Perform and support FEA activities, including static, nonlinear, vibration, and shock analyses, with attention to model setup, mesh convergence, and validation against physical behavior.  
• Work with a variety of fabrication methods, including machined, sheet metal, 3D-printed, and laser-cut parts.  
• Apply material knowledge when selecting components, manufacturing processes, finishes, and design approaches.  
• Create and review designs with attention to GD&T, tolerance stackups, manufacturability, and assembly constraints.  
• Identify and resolve small mechanical design issues early before they create larger assembly, test, or system-level problems.  
• Support structural, tolerance, and mechanism trade studies under guidance from senior engineers.  
• Support hands-on assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and hardware.  
• Work with vendors and internal teams to quote, fabricate, modify, and receive mechanical parts.  
• Support design reviews, assembly procedures, test plans, and verification activities.  
• Communicate design decisions clearly through drawings, notes, sketches, test data, and concise written updates.  
• Participate in hands-on testing, including fit checks, functional testing, environmental testing, and failure investigations.  
• Work closely with electrical, software, science, manufacturing, and test teams to develop integrated hardware solutions.  
• Learn and apply spaceflight design practices, including configuration control, cleanliness, material compatibility, safety, and reliability. 

Requirements

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Required:

•  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field with relevant design/analysis experience. 
• Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.  
• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stackups, and mechanical design fundamentals.  
• Familiarity with FEA or other engineering analysis methods.  
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience assembling, integrating, or troubleshooting mechanical hardware.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary engineering teams. .

Preferred:

•  Experience designing aerospace, robotics, automation, laboratory, or other precision mechanical systems.  
• Experience with structural, vibration, thermal, shock, or environmental testing.  
• Experience with machined, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, or laser-cut components.  
• Familiarity with engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical hardware selection.  
• Experience supporting prototype development through verification and flight readiness.  
• Familiarity with NASA or aerospace design standards and configuration management practices. 

Interpersonal Skills

•  Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.  
• Hands-on approach to engineering and problem solving.  
• Ability to identify issues early and develop practical solutions.  
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment.  
• Commitment to continuous learning and engineering excellence. 

Space Tango is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space Tango is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

This position may require access to technology and information subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment is contingent upon the ability to obtain any necessary government authorizations to access and handle controlled technology and data. Candidates must be able to comply with all applicable export control regulations.