Materials & Process Principal Engineer

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station and is seeking a bold Materials & Process Principal Engineer to influence materials selection, process control, and qualification for IVA/EVA environments, including corrosion prevention and bonding. You will lead AM and space hardware M&P efforts in a dynamic team.

The role requires 15+ years in materials and process engineering, strong knowledge of NASA standards and metallurgy, and excellent communication to coordinate with

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, Math, or Materials Science.
• 15+ years of experience in material and process engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of NASA standards and material data requirements for spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrable mastery/success of materials and process engineering.
• Direct work experience in Metallurgy (heat treatment, corrosion control, additive manufacturing, welding, failure analysis, etc.).
• Knowledge in metallurgy includes aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, nickel‑based alloys, etc.
• Familiar with requirements for contamination control and verification methods for space hardware.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing review for materials and processes.
• Broad materials & processes support metallic materials including additive manufacturing (AM), forging, casting, forming, extrusion, plating, coating, welding, brazing, anodization, and passivation.
• Excellence in written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise, guide, and provide consultation on requirements for Materials & Processes (M&P) for intravehicular (IVA) and extravehicular (EVA) environments, including materials selection, process control, and qualification, design for corrosion prevention, electrical bonding, flammability, toxic off‑gassing, and processes specification.
• Perform trade studies for technical solutions, including make/buy recommendations.
• Provide input to program/project specifications and ensure appropriate materials requirements are incorporated into all program/project specifications at the right level.
• Review project/program documentation and specifications to ensure NASA standards are met regarding Materials and Processes used in spaceflight hardware.
• Assess whether standard vendor processes meet M&P requirements, and if not, clearly define changes that need to be implemented.
• Review production drawings for large complex assemblies systematically, documenting the review to the established requirements.
• Lead and coordinate internal and external M&P efforts for additive manufacturing, including the development of material specifications, process specifications, supplier qualifications, part qualifications, mechanical testing, and customer‑facing updates.
• Support the development of internal engineering and quality processes to standardize and accelerate material evaluation, implementation, and qualification.
• Provide vendors with recommendations for qualification and acceptance testing that will properly satisfy verification of requirements.
• Be familiar with metallic and nonmetallic materials specifications, properties, and testing.
• Provide inspection and manufacturing process support for human space flight systems.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Skills

Materials science

Metallurgy

Additive manufacturing

NASA standards

Communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering, Math, or Materials Science

Job description

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.

Our mission‑driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Materials & Process Principal Engineer who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our team is looking for an energetic and dynamic Materials & Process Engineer who will work in a collaborative engineering team environment. He/she will primarily be responsible for aiding Axiom’s Space Suit team with the design and development of structural and mechanical components of the space suits.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise, guide, and provide consultation on requirements for Materials & Processes (M&P) for intravehicular (IVA) and extravehicular (EVA) environments, including materials selection, process control, and qualification, design for corrosion prevention, electrical bonding, flammability, toxic off‑gassing, and processes specification.
• Perform trade studies for technical solutions, including make/buy recommendations.
• Provide input to program/project specifications and ensure appropriate materials requirements are incorporated into all program/project specifications at the right level.
• Review project/program documentation and specifications to ensure NASA standards are met regarding Materials and Processes used in spaceflight hardware.
• Assess whether standard vendor processes meet M&P requirements, and if not, clearly define changes that need to be implemented.
• Review production drawings for large complex assemblies systematically, documenting the review to the established requirements.
• Lead and coordinate internal and external M&P efforts for additive manufacturing, including the development of material specifications, process specifications, supplier qualifications, part qualifications, mechanical testing, and customer‑facing updates.
• Support the development of internal engineering and quality processes to standardize and accelerate material evaluation, implementation, and qualification.
• Provide vendors with recommendations for qualification and acceptance testing that will properly satisfy verification of requirements.
• Be familiar with metallic and nonmetallic materials specifications, properties, and testing.
• Provide inspection and manufacturing process support for human space flight systems.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Engineering, Math, or Materials Science.
• 15+ years of experience in material and process engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of NASA standards and material data requirements for spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrable mastery/success of materials and process engineering.
• Direct work experience in Metallurgy (heat treatment, corrosion control, additive manufacturing, welding, failure analysis, etc.).
• Knowledge in metallurgy includes aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, nickel‑based alloys, etc.
• Familiar with requirements for contamination control and verification methods for space hardware.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing review for materials and processes.
• Broad materials & processes support metallic materials including additive manufacturing (AM), forging, casting, forming, extrusion, plating, coating, welding, brazing, anodization, and passivation.
• Uses good judgement to problem‑solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges.
• Grit, passion for space and the mission, entrepreneurial growth mindset, perseverance, and resourceful, adaptable.
• Excellence in written and verbal communication skills.

COMPETENCIES

• Accountability, sense of urgency, extreme ownership, execution and delivery efficiency, effectiveness.
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross‑functionally.
• Tech‑savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter.

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.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required.
• 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).

PROFESSIONAL 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, 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.