Mechanical Engineer - 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, 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.

Requirements

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field with relevant design or 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 hardware.
• Clear written and verbal communication and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• Attention to detail, commitment to quality, and a practical approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred:

• Experience with aerospace, robotics, automation, laboratory, or other precision mechanical systems.
• Experience with structural, vibration, thermal, shock, or environmental testing.
• Familiarity with engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical hardware selection.
• Experience supporting prototypes through verification and flight readiness.
• Familiarity with NASA or aerospace design standards and configuration management practices.

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 and information subject to U.S. export control laws, including ITAR and the EAR. Employment is contingent upon the ability to obtain any necessary government authorizations to access and handle controlled technology and data. Candidates must comply with all applicable export control regulations.