Mechanical Engineer

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space seeks a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to support the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for EVA spaceflight. You will guide design, testing, and on‑orbit service of life support hardware, owning schedules and collaboration across disciplines.

Ideal candidates have a BS in mechanical/aerospace, 7+ years in life support roles, and at least 1 year of leadership. The role demands space environment knowledge and a results-driven mindset in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 7+ years in life support engineering or similar.
• 1+ years in people leadership.
• Strong understanding of space environments and design implications.
• Experience with standards, processes, and certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead a collaborative PLSS team developing and validating life support technologies for EVA operations.
• Provide systems and technical engineering support for the life support architecture.
• Develop and manage PLSS requirements through system-level certification.
• Ensure designs meet requirements and pass verification and validation tests.
• Communicate project status and risks to stakeholders and leadership.
• Assist in schedules, budgets, and test plans; interface with managers across teams.
• Assist in manufacturing and assembly of hardware and on-orbit operations.
• Review customer deliverables and analyze data for improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Space environment awareness

Data analysis

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

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. 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 drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Mechanical Engineer who will primarily be responsible for aiding Axiom’s Portable Life Support System (or AxPLSS) team with the development, maturation, and operation of spaceflight hardware to support the Axiom Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Spacesuit. This role will develop, iterate, and mature single-suit architecture designs for multiple mission environments (microgravity, partial gravity) by owning product delivery timelines through concept, design, fabrication, assembly, delivery, on‑orbit demonstration, and on‑orbit services.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to the PLSS Manager, this position leads a collaborative team developing and validating technologies that enable EVA operations for sustained human spaceflight in low‑Earth orbit and beyond
• Provide systems and technical engineering support for the Axiom life support architecture
• Develop and aid management of PLSS requirements through system‑level certification
• Ensure designs satisfy requirements and demonstrate performance in a thorough verification and validation program
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Assist in developing and maintaining work tasks, integrated schedules, budget, and test plans
• Interface with management and submanagers across the team
• Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and through on‑orbit operation
• Review customer deliverables
• Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement
• Perform additional job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
• 7+ years’ experience in life support engineering, or similar role preferred
• 1+ years’ experience as a people leader
• Strong understanding of space environments (grounding/bonding, thermal, vacuum, regolith) and how they affect design decisions
• Experience in defining and implementing engineering standards, processes, and practices
• Hands on experience building, testing, and/or assembling hardware
• Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification
• Experience designing complex systems that balance mass, cost, and capability
• Knowledge of NASA or commercial space program standards
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments
• Uses good judgement to problem‑solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines
• Grit
• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• Perseverance
• Resourceful, adaptable
• Skills: Executes priorities with precision and pace, High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross‑functionally, Tech‑savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter, Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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, Sense of Urgency, Extreme Ownership, Execution and Delivery, Efficiency, Effectiveness.

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 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.