Mechanical Engineer - Structures & Mechanisms

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space in Webster, Texas, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for the first commercial space station. Based onsite at the Space Station Development Facility (SSDF), you will report to the Senior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms.

The role covers product lifecycle, design reviews, analysis (FEM/hand calculations), GD&T, manufacturing oversight, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering or related field. Master’s preferred.
• 5–8 years of mechanical engineering experience in mechanisms, mechatronics, space, automotive or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for space station systems.
• Lead design reviews and manage product lifecycle from concept to manufacturing.
• Develop requirements and design criteria.
• Perform preliminary analysis using free-body diagrams, hand calculations and/or FEA.
• Deliver high‑quality models and drawings in a fast-paced environment.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware and document results.
• Present findings to managers, clients, and customers.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

Design & Analysis

Engineering drawing

GD&T

Project leadership

Manufacturing oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Ansys/Nastran

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Position Summary

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer, who will primarily be supporting design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components of the first commercial space station. This position reports to the Senior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms and will be based onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF) in Webster, Texas.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of the design, development, test, and evaluation of the structural and mechanical components that make up the commercial space station systems.


• Execute the engineering product lifecycle, holding regular design review.


• Develop requirements and design criteria.


• Perform preliminary analysis using free-body diagrams, hand calculations & FEA.


• Deliver high-quality models and drawings in a fast-paced environment.


• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware.


• Accountable for your designs, calculations, analysis, and results.


• Present findings and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.


• Systematically document progress, capture knowledge, and maintain an engineering notebook.


• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related field required. A Master’s degree is preferred.


• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering applied to mechanisms, mechatronics in aeronautical and space, automotive or robotics engineering field.


• Strong knowledge of static & dynamics, structural analysis, fracture control, fatigue, thermal effects, materials & lubrication.


• Demonstrated product development from initial concept to manufacturing, including requirements writing, risk reduction through verification and validation strategies.


• Experience with SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling software or similar computer aided design tool.


• Experience with FEA software packages (Ansys, Nastran preferred) and MathWorks MATLAB & Simulink products.


• Experience creating engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y-14.5.


• Experience with Design for manufacturing, qualification & acceptance testing.


• Background with Spaceflight hardware design & NASA standards preferred.


• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges.


• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results.

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. 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, religion, 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 a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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.