Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Mechanical Engineer

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space, a leader in human space exploration, seeks a resilient PLSS Mechanical Engineer to support the AxPLSS team in developing, maturing, and operating spaceflight hardware for EVA spacesuits. You will own single-suit architecture designs from concept through on-orbit services across microgravity and partial gravity environments.

Responsibilities include defining suit standards, CAD model development, product lifecycle management, design validation, and leading design reviews with

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related field required.
• 7+ years of life-support engineering experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of space environments and how they affect design decisions.
• Experience implementing engineering standards, processes, and practices.
• Hands-on experience building, testing, and assembling hardware.
• Ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and create modern space suit standards and practices for production and operation.
• Generate/review CAD models, schematics, drawings, analyses, and procedures for suit components.
• Establish a product lifecycle from supply chain through final integration balancing cost, complexity, and quality.
• Validate designs by analysis or test and build development articles as needed.
• Lead design and production reviews with suppliers and customers.
• Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and on-orbit.
• Communicate project progress, status, and issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implement agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Space systems knowledge

CAD modeling

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

7+ years life support engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Creo

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.

Position Summary

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced PLSS 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

• Define and create modern space suit standards and practices, driving Axiom to the forefront of space suit production and operation
• Generate and/or review CAD models, engineering schematics, drawings, analysis, assessments, and procedures for components, assemblies, and suit assembly
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality
• Validate designs by analysis or test, building development articles as needed
• Lead design and production reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers
• Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and through on-orbit operation
• 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

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
• 7+ years’ experience in life support engineering, or similar role preferred
• 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
• 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
• Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification is preferred
• Knowledge of NASA or commercial space program standards is preferred

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

• 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.