Blue Marble Space is hiring a Senior Fluidics Engineer – Assembly & Test (Individual Contributor, Sterile Spaceflight Biological Systems). The position requires physical presence in Mountain View, CA, and is therefore not remote. The laboratory is located at NASA Ames Research Center, a US federal facility and requires US Citizenship. Relocation costs and visa sponsorships are not available. The start date is ~ July 5, 2026.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Fluidics Engineer to assemble, integrate, and test flight-ready fluidic systems for biological payloads in spaceflight environments. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role with an emphasis on precision assembly under sterile conditions, including work in biosafety cabinets using aseptic technique. The ideal candidate brings deep experience with spaceflight hardware and thrives in a build-and-test environment, consistently delivering high-quality hardware without a primary focus on design ownership or team management. Experience aligned with environments such as NASA, SpaceX, or Blue Origin is strongly desired.
Key Responsibilities
Execute hands-on assembly of fluidic subsystems and biological payload hardware, including tubing, fittings, pumps, valves, and reservoirs.
Perform aseptic assembly within biosafety cabinets (BSCs) to maintain sterility of biological interfaces and reagents.
Apply and maintain strict sterile technique during installation of reagent systems, culture chambers, and fluid pathways.
Conduct leak checks, flow verification, priming, and functional testing without compromising sterility.
Operate and maintain fluidic test stands and sterile workspaces, ensuring readiness and compliance.
Perform sterilization of components and assemblies using autoclaving; organize hardware shipments for treatment by ethylene oxide (EtO), and e-beam irradiation.
Follow detailed work instructions and SOPs with high precision and consistency.
Document all assembly, sterilization, and test activities with full traceability.
Troubleshoot hardware and process issues during build and test, escalating design-related concerns appropriately.
Partner with engineering, biology, and quality teams to ensure hardware meets flight requirements.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent practical experience in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of hands-on experience with spaceflight hardware assembly, integration, and test.
Experience performing aseptic work in biosafety cabinets (BSCs).
Proven experience sterilizing fluidic components using autoclaving.
Strong understanding of contamination control and maintaining sterility through complex, multi-step processes.
Experience in fluid system testing (leak testing, flow measurement, pressure testing).
Ability to read and execute from engineering drawings, procedures, and build documentation.
High attention to detail and disciplined, repeatable execution.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting multiple biological or life sciences payloads for spaceflight.
Familiarity with microfluidic systems.
Experience working in both cleanroom and biosafety cabinet environments.
Prior work with organizations such as NASA.
Key Skills
Advanced aseptic technique.
Sterilization methods and material handling.
Precision fluidic assembly.
Procedure-driven execution.
Hardware troubleshooting.
Work Environment
This is a deeply hands-on role spanning laboratory, cleanroom, and environmental test settings. Daily work includes extended time in biosafety cabinets performing sterile assembly, along with operation of fluidic test systems and participation in qualification testing.
Impact
You will be directly responsible for building and validating sterile, flight-ready biological fluidic systems—ensuring hardware performs reliably in space and safeguarding mission-critical science.
About Blue Marble Space:
BMS is a non-profit research institute. Employees have access to a wide array of benefits, including HMO/PPO options for health/dental insurance, life insurance, and a matching 403 (b) retirement plan.