Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Axiom Space invites motivated engineering students to join a project-based internship in Houston, working with our spaceflight hardware teams on structural and mechanical components. The internship emphasizes design, analysis, testing, and documentation under experienced engineers.

The program runs June 1 to August 20, with responsibilities spanning multiple focus areas and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Rising junior, senior, or graduate student pursuing Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Coursework or project experience in statics/dynamics/materials science.
• Exposure to CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) through coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with basic engineering analysis methods (hand calcs, FBD) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, test, and evaluation of components for a hardware program under mentorship.
• Perform analysis using free-body diagrams, hand calculations, FEA, and CAD modeling.
• Assist with prototype assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Document design, analysis, and test results for internal reviews.
• Present results to the engineering team.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

MS/MA or Ph.D. in related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

CAD software

Job description

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 are mission-driven, setting a new paradigm for business, and thus rapidly evolving and scaling complex systems to do things humanity has not previously done. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy Engineering Intern who is eager to learn from and be mentored by experienced engineers. This role supports the design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components across Axiom's spaceflight hardware programs, with assignments that may include space station structures and mechanisms, crew systems interior hardware, spacesuit softgoods, or vehicle mockups and operational hardware, depending on program need. The role requires strong organizational, time management, and communication skills, along with a genuine curiosity for solving real engineering problems. This is a temporary, project-based internship supporting an active engineering team. The internship will be onsite at Axiom Space in Houston, Texas from June 1 to August 20. Interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for an assigned hardware program, under the mentorship of experienced engineers
• Perform analysis on designs through free-body diagrams, hand calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), and CAD modeling
• Assist with prototype assembly, integration, and test activities to support component or system development
• Document design, analysis, and test results to support internal review and approval processes
• Present results of analyses, tests, and evaluations to the engineering team
• Support data collection and organization for ongoing engineering projects
• Depending on assignment, may support spacesuit hardware, space station development, or mockup fabrication support for vehicle operations hardware
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support project objectives
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Perform additional job duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Rising Junior, Senior, or Graduate student (MS/MA or Ph.D.) pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Coursework or project experience in statics, dynamics, and/or materials science
• Exposure to CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) through coursework or personal projects
• Familiarity with basic engineering analysis methods (hand calculations, free-body diagrams) preferred
• Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on project experience (e.g., design team, robotics club) is a plus
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Genuine curiosity and passion for space exploration and engineering problem-solving
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative on assigned tasks
• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high-quality results

Preferred qualifications for Focus Areas Only:

• Thermal Analysis: Exposure to Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and/or Ansys Fluent CFD
• Proficiency in 3D CFD; knowledge of OpenFOAM, Ansys Fluent, Loci/CHEM, or similar; HPC experience; Linux, Bash, Python, or C++

Core Competencies:

• Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork
• In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Accountability, Technical Rigor, Execution Discipline, Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

Requirements

This position may require access to export controlled technical data or technology subject to NASA regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In accordance with U.S. export control laws, final candidates may be required to undergo additional export control screening to determine eligibility for access. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised. 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.