Group Manager, Extra-vehicular Activities Qualification and Verification

Axiom Space; Hercules (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space seeks a resilient, high-energy Manager, Test Verification & Validation (V&V) to lead verification across programs. This onsite role at our Hercules facility reports to the Systems Engineering & Integration VP and requires guiding verification from definition through operations.

The position demands 10+ years in space program test planning/execution, strong leadership, and excellent communication with senior decision-makers and technical teams.

Qualifications

• Requires BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics or related).
• 10+ years in test planning and execution on complex space development programs.
• Experience managing and leading teams, including directing direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering team, setting priorities, goals, and performance expectations.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement verification and validation activities across programs.
• Define system, subsystem, and component verification approaches and verification requirements.
• Own technical and operational accountability for engineering deliverables across multiple projects.
• Develop and execute engineering roadmaps, resource plans, and budgets.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and workforce planning to build and scale the team.

Skills

Test planning

Team leadership

Space systems experience

Communication to decision-makers

Systems engineering

Education

BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical) or Physics

NASA human spaceflight programs experience (preferred)

INCOSE CSEP certification

Job description

OVERVIEW

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com. Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace.

POSITION SUMMARY

We’re looking for a resilient, high-energy Manager, Test Verification & Validation (V&V) to lead the planning, implementation, and closeout of verification activities across our programs. This role spans all phases of the systems development process, including verification definition, design, integration, test, and operations. The position reports to Systems Engineering & Integration VP. This role is onsite and will be based at our Hercules facility.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and manage the engineering team, setting priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with organizational strategy.

Plan, coordinate, and implement verification and validation activities across programs.

Define system, subsystem, and component verification approaches and verification requirements.

Allocate verifications to verification activities, and plan and coordinate their implementation.

Draft closure notices to perform verification close-out.

Own technical and operational accountability for engineering deliverables across multiple projects or programs.

Develop and execute engineering roadmaps, resource plans, and budgets that support business objectives.

Identify and mitigate significant technical, schedule, and resource risks across the organization.

Staff programs with qualified SEIT engineers.

Lead recruitment, hiring, and workforce planning to build and scale the team.

Lead goal setting, mid-year reviews, performance evaluations, and year-end reviews, informed by feedback from peers and stakeholders.

Guide employee development conversations that address near-term needs and long-term career aspirations.

Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align engineering strategy with company-wide goals.

Represent engineering in leadership forums, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions.

Drive engineering process maturity, standards, and best practices across teams.

Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

Communicate progress, status, and emerging issues to stakeholders and leadership.

Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the engineering function.

Perform other systems engineering tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Required BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical), Physics, or a related field.

10+ years of experience in test planning and execution on complex space development programs, with related experience in space payloads, spacecraft, or space vehicles.

Experience managing and leading teams, including motivating direct reports and giving them clear, concise direction.

Ability to manage project scope and schedule.

Excellent writing and presentation skills, with experience communicating to both senior decision-makers and technical audiences.

Preferred Experience of NASA human spaceflight programs.

INCOSE CSEP certification.

Skills & Attributes: Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments; sound judgment and a proactive approach to solving hard problems; strong organizational skills, delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines; results-oriented, with a creative approach to problem-solving; collaborative, team-oriented, and self-motivated.

Core Skills: Passion for space and the mission; entrepreneurial, growth mindset; high EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally; tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster.

Core Competencies: Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements: Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements: Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time). Equipment and Machines: Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.).

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow.

Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit.

Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.