Principal Mechanical Engineer, Structures & Mechanisms

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space in Webster, Texas; SME Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, test and evaluate structural and mechanical components for the first commercial space station. This onsite role sits at the Space Station Development Facility and reports to the Senior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms.

You will drive engineering lifecycle, perform analyses (FBD/FEA), and deliver drawings, documentation, and models while coordinating manufacturing and assembly with cross‑functional teams and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering or related field.
• A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in mechanisms, mechatronics, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of static and dynamics, structural analysis, fracture control, fatigue, thermal effects, materials & lubrication.
• Experience with design for manufacturing and GD&T per ASME Y-14.5.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS and FEA software (ANSYS, Nastran) and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience creating and reviewing drawings and documentation.
• Background with spaceflight hardware design and NASA standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for the space station.
• Lead engineering product lifecycle and design reviews.
• Onboard customer requests, develop requirements and design criteria.
• Perform preliminary analysis using FBDs, hand calculations, and FEA.
• Produce peer-reviewed models, drawings, and documentation.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware.
• Communicate findings to managers, clients, and customers.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA analysis

GD&T

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

ANSYS

Nastran

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a SME 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.
• Onboard new customer requests, develop requirements and design criteria.
• Perform preliminary analysis using free-body diagrams, hand calculations & FEA.
• Deliver high-quality, peer reviewable, models, documentation, and drawings in a fast-paced environment.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware.
• Effective Communication: present findings and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.
• Support collaboration: Peer review other engineer’s work.
• Leadership: You will be required to support and mentor junior engineers

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.
• 12+ 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 and reviewing engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y-14.5.
• Experience with Design for manufacturing, qualification & acceptance testing.
• Experience in functional management and mentoring.
• Background with Spaceflight hardware design & NASA standards preferred.
• Show a track record of providing efficient solutions to difficult technical 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.