Principal Mechanical Engineer, Structures & Mechanisms

Hardware FYI; Webster (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will own the engineering lifecycle, perform analyses, prepare documentation and drawings, oversee manufacturing, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; master’s preferred.
• 13+ years of mechanical engineering experience in mechanisms, mechatronics for aerospace/space, automotive or robotics.
• Strong knowledge of static and dynamics, structural analysis, fracture control, fatigue, thermal effects, materials and lubrication.
• Experience from concept to manufacturing with requirements writing and verification/validation strategies.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling software or similar CAD tool.
• Experience with FEA packages (Ansys, Nastran) and MATLAB & Simulink.
• Experience creating and reviewing 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.
• Track record of providing efficient solutions to difficult technical challenges.
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for the space station systems.
• Lead engineering product lifecycle and conduct regular design reviews.
• Onboard new customer requests; develop requirements and design criteria.
• Perform preliminary analyses using free-body diagrams, hand calculations, and FEA.
• Deliver high-quality models, documentation, and drawings.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware.
• Present findings to managers, clients, and customers.
• Peer review other engineers’ work and collaborate across teams.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

FEA: ANSYS/Nastran

MATLAB/Simulink

GD&T (ASME Y-14.5)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer,whowillprimarily besupportingdesign, development, test, and evaluation of structural andmechanical components of the first commercial space station. This position reports to theSenior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms and will be basedonsite and will be based at ourSpace 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

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related field required. A Master’sdegree 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 ofstatic & 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 designtool.
• Experience with FEAsoftware packages (Ansys, Nastran preferred) and MathWorks MATLAB & Simulink products.
• Experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings andGD&T per ASME Y-14.5.
• Experience with Design for manufacturing,qualification& acceptancetesting.
• Experience in functionalmanagementand 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.