SPARC Mechanical Enginerring

The SPARC Mission

Project SPARC aims to launch the first human cell-based research experiment in a Cube Sat. The goal is to build, test, and fly a host-agnostic biological research platform into orbit. It includes a fluorescence microscope and a microfluidic system capable of culturing, stimulating, and imaging cells in orbit. This system should enable further research on radiation and senescence in space. As a freelance project in ARIS, the idea is to provide hands‑on experience to students during their studies in Switzerland.

Join our group of ten students and find your space to grow!

Mechanical Engineer – Actuated optical system

The optical subsystem consists of a fluorescence microscope mounted on a linear stage with the goal of imaging the live cells in their respective micro‑wells. Your tasks will be:

• Optimize or replace the existing microscope structure and linear actuator to ruggedize it for a rocket launch
• Build and assemble your design
• Work together with the electrical engineering team to integrate your components with the electrical system
• Specify and perform tests to prove the optical assembly will withstand the environment of a rocket launch

Mechanical Engineer – Microfluidics

Microfluidics is the heart of the entire experiment. It directly keeps the cells alive by supplying everything needed for them to thrive. This position also brings the unique challenge of dealing with liquids in a zero‑gravity environment. Your tasks will be:

• Adapt and simplify the existing design of the multi‑layered microfluidic chip to ease its manufacturing but also integrate a pH‑sensor and optimize the channel sizes without altering the fluid dynamics
• Design, build, and test your own bubble trap derived from existing COTS components to prevent bubbles from clogging up the microfluidic tubing/channels
• Select and optimize tubing to connect the six different microfluidic components and account for their unique requirements
• Integrate your designs into the existing liquid loop
• Test and validate your designs and the entire liquid loop to withstand the environment of a rocket launch

Mechanical Engineer – CAD & FEM

To ensure that all components fit together, CAD is a necessity for every engineering project, and ours is no different. We work in Onshape for CAD and Ansys or NX for FEM. Your tasks in this role will be:

• Support our existing CAD engineer with the task of designing structural components
• Perform FEM simulations of structural components in different phases of the experimental life cycle to find weak points or unnecessary material
• Optimize the weight of the structure using your findings from the FEM
• Ensure that all components/arrangements are up to date and change the assembly as needed when design revisions happen
• Make technical drawings so our sponsors can manufacture our designs

• BSc (≥ 2nd semester) or MSc students, regardless of university
• Availabilty of ~10‑15 hours per week
• A passion for learning and pushing your own limits
• Proactive and reliable communication
• Ability to take ownership of tasks, while beeing able to accept help if you are stuck.

Please note that you don’t need to be an expert, but you need to be willing to become one!

Write an email to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). including your CV and a short description of your interests, relevant experience, and why you would like to join the team. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Disclaimer:
This role is an unpaid freelance position!