Mechanical Engineer, Fluids, Environmental, and/or Thermal Control

Axiom Space; Georgia; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and test fluid and thermal systems for spaceflight hardware. The role requires hands-on test experience and the ability to take components from concept through integration, reporting to the Climate & Thermal Team Manager.

This onsite position is based at the Space Station Development Facility (SSDF). Ideal candidates have strong fundamentals, CAD proficiency (NX/Creo/SolidWorks), and MATLAB/Python experience, plus collaboration

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (or Aerospace) required.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical, fluid, or thermal systems.
• Experience with design, analysis, and testing of fluid/thermal systems.
• Proficiency with CAD and analysis tools (NX/Creo/SolidWorks; MATLAB/Python).
• Experience with fluid components or thermal systems.
• Ability to take designs from concept through testing to production.
• Strong communication and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on test execution and data analysis.
• Ability to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to obtain U.S. government clearance; US citizenship or permanent residency.

Responsibilities

• Select and qualify fluid and thermal system components (valves, sensors, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, fittings).
• Conduct trade studies, define requirements, and work with suppliers.
• Develop and execute test plans for component-level verification (pressure, flow, thermal cycling, leak testing).
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results.
• Perform integrated system analyses combining fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Build and correlate analytical models (MATLAB/Python, CFD, or thermal tools).
• Generate and maintain system documentation including P&IDs, interface control documents, drawings, and specs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements.
• Support hardware builds, system integration, and test operations.
• Communicate project progress, status, and issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implement agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Skills

Fluid systems

Thermal systems

Test execution

CAD tools

MATLAB/Python

Cross-functional

Documentation

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace engineering

Tools

NX

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS Fluent

Star-CCM+

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/Fluint

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. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Mechanical Engineer with Fluids, Environmental, and/or Thermal Control experience 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

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and testing of fluid and thermal systems for spaceflight hardware. The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals, hands-on test experience, and the ability to take components and subsystems from concept through integration. This position reports to Climate & Thermal Team Manager. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select and qualify fluid and thermal system components (valves, sensors, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, fittings).
• Conduct trade studies, define requirements, and work with suppliers to ensure components meet performance and environmental needs.
• Develop and execute test plans for component-level verification, including pressure and flow testing, thermal cycling, and leak testing.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results in formal reports.
• Perform integrated system analyses combining fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to size components and predict system behavior.
• Build and correlate analytical models (MATLAB/Python, CFD, or thermal tools) using component and system test data.
• Generate and maintain system documentation including P&IDs, interface control documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Stress, avionics, manufacturing) to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements.
• Support hardware builds, system integration, and test operations as needed.
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• 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 Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (or Aerospace engineering) is required.
• 5+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or thermal systems.
• Experience with fluid and/or thermal system design, analysis, and testing.
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (CAD such as NX, Creo, or SolidWorks) and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience designing or analyzing fluid components (valves, regulators, pumps, lines, manifolds) or thermal systems (heat exchangers, radiators, cold plates).
• Demonstrated ability to take engineering designs from concept through testing to production and delivery.
• Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on experience with test execution (pressure testing, flow testing, thermal cycling) and post-test data analysis.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Hands on experience with thermal control hardware.
• Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint.
• Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware.
• Understanding of electrical interfaces such as wiring diagrams, signal conditioning, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Knowledge of industry standards (NASA, ASME, ASTM, MIL-spec).
• Familiarity with vacuum system design, materials for space environments, and contamination control.

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

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.