Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Mechanical Engineer

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

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a bold and dynamic PLSS Mechanical Engineer to support the AxPLSS team and the development, maturation, and operation of spaceflight hardware for EVA spacesuits. This role covers concept, design, fabrication, assembly, delivery, on-orbit demonstration, and on-orbit services.

The engineer will create multi-environment suit architectures (microgravity/partial gravity), manage delivery timelines, and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to advance suit

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years' experience in life support engineering or similar role.
• Experience with space environments and how they affect design decisions.
• Hands-on experience building, testing, and/or assembling hardware.
• Experience defining and implementing engineering standards, processes and practices.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Growth mindset

Problem-solving

Technical rig or

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Finite Element Analysis

Flight hardware testing

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 PLSS Mechanical Engineer 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 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:

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