Associate Test Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 Integration & Test Engineer supports the development of Space Tango's automated spaceflight payloads and facilities by planning, executing, and documenting mechanical spaceflight hardware testing throughout the product development lifecycle. Testing activities include structural, vibration, shock, thermal, thermal vacuum, pressure, leak, deployment, fluid, environmental, and engineering verification testing. Working closely with mechanical design engineers, this role supports test fixture development, hardware integration, instrumentation, data collection and analysis, anomaly resolution, verification activities, and rapid design iteration to help transform new concepts into reliable flight hardware. 

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering, solving technical problems, building prototypes and fixtures, and helping transform new concepts into reliable flight hardware. 

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

Key Responsibilities 

• Execute mechanical, functional, environmental, and integration testing of spaceflight hardware and supporting equipment.  
• Assemble, configure, and operate test articles, prototypes, and engineering development units.  
• Set up, configure, and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and fixtures to support vibration, thermal vacuum, fluid, functional, and other engineering verification tests. 
• Collect, document, and analyze test data, preparing clear reports and recommendations for design engineers.  
• Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues identified during testing.  
• Work closely with design engineers to evaluate failures, validate design changes, and support rapid product iteration.  
• Design, fabricate, and improve test fixtures, tooling, and other equipment used to support engineering development.  
• Modify, repair, and reconfigure prototype hardware as designs evolve.  
• Develop and improve test procedures, work instructions, and documentation.  
• Support payload integration, verification, environmental testing, and launch preparation activities.  
• Maintain organized test records and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering development and test processes. 

Requirements

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Required: 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.  
• Experience assembling, troubleshooting, testing, or supporting mechanical or electromechanical systems.  
• Ability to read engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation.  
• Experience using common mechanical tools and measurement equipment.  
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.  
• Ability to document test results and communicate technical findings clearly. 

Preferred: 

• Experience designing or fabricating test fixtures or tooling.  
• Experience with prototype development or product iteration.  
• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).  
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, or data acquisition systems.  
• Experience working with aerospace, robotics, automation, or laboratory equipment.  
• Experience supporting product validation or environmental testing.  
• Familiarity with NASA, aerospace, or other highly regulated engineering environments. 

Interpersonal Skills 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.  
• Hands-on problem solver with strong mechanical aptitude.  
• Curious and analytical mindset with a desire to understand how systems work.  
• Ability to troubleshoot independently while collaborating effectively with engineers and technicians.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.  
• Commitment to continuous improvement and team success. 

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.