Production Test Engineering Manager

axiomspace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a resilient Production Test Engineering Manager in Houston to optimize production test processes and align with program milestones. You will lead the Production Test Engineering and Specialty Testing teams, shaping test strategies, resources and budgets.

You will mentor 10+ engineers across mechanical, electrical and software domains, manage schedules and risks, and collaborate with cross-functional groups to ensure hardware and software meet Axiom Space Quality Standards.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related field; 10+ years' engineering experience; proven hiring ability; capable of managing scope and schedule; ability to motivate and direct teams; hands-on ground support equipment for space flight testing.
• Experience with vibration, thermal, or vacuum testing; preferred electrical integration with data acquisition systems (cRIO, cDAQ, LabVIEW).
• LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python or similar data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Strategically manage the Production Test organization in a fast-paced environment.
• Lead, mentor, train and develop 10+ mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
• Actively manage subsystem schedules, staffing needs, budgets, and deliverables.
• Team morale and culture management, including individual one-on-ones.
• Conflict resolution and removal of impediments.
• Performance management and OKRs for the Production Test team.
• Guide development of GSE test equipment and facilitate vibration, thermal, vacuum testing of flight hardware.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues with existing test systems.
• Lead test planning, risk assessments, safety and test readiness reviews.
• Report to and support the Production Director.

Skills

Ground test experience

Team leadership

Project scope management

Mentoring and developing engineers

Test planning and risk assessment

LabVIEW experience

MATLAB/Python data analysis

Mechanical/Electrical collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

cRIO

cDAQ

Data acquisition systems

Test instrumentation

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 Production Test Engineering Manager who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Production Test Engineering Manager responsible for optimizing production test processes to ensure alignment with program milestones and on-time deliveries across Axiom's various production services. The Test Engineering Manager leads members of the Production Test Engineering and Specialty Testing departments implementing and optimizing product testing processes. Responsible for developing overall test strategies, managing testing resources and budgets, and collaborating with cross functional departments to endure hardware or software meets Axiom Space Quality Standards.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategically manage the Production Test organization in fast-paced environment.
• Lead, mentor, train and develop 10+ mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
• Actively manage subsystem schedules, staffing needs, budgets, and deliverables.
• Team morale and culture management, including individual one-on-ones.
• Conflict resolution and removal of impediments.
• Performance management and establishment of annual objectives & key results (OKRs) for the Production Test team
• Guide development of GSE functional test equipment and facilitate rapid vibration, thermal, vacuum, qualification and acceptance testing of flight hardware.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues with existing test systems.
• Lead test planning, risk assessments, safety and test readiness reviews.
• Report to and support the Production Director.
• Perform other 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

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Required: 10+ years' experience in engineering or a similar role, or a combined equivalent of education and experience
• Required: Experience in hiring and building a high performing team.
• Required: Able to manage project scope and schedule.
• Required: Ability to motivate and provide clear and concise direction to direct reports.
• Required: Hands on experience building, testing and/or assembling ground support equipment for space flight applications.
• Required: Experience with mechanical component and instrumentation selection for test systems.
• Required: Experience with either Vibration, Thermal, or Vacuum Testing (all three preferred)
• Preferred: Experience with electrical integration of analog and digital components with data acquisition systems (cRIO, cDAQ, Labview).
• Preferred: Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or other data acquisition and data reduction software(s).
• Preferred: Experience with pressure system test stands and complex fluid systems, especially common industry fittings (ORB, JIC, AN, Swag, NPT, etc.).
• Preferred: Experience troubleshooting real-time and finding solutions to mechanical and electrical problems
• Preferred: Experience with hazard gasses in laboratory and test environments (oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide, etc.).
• Preferred: Experience working with mechanical and electrical technicians

Core Skills

A resilient and proactive approach to problem solving

Passion for space and the mission

Entrepreneurial, growth mindset

High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally

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

Tech