Senior Mechanical Project Engineer III Hardware

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

Job summary

Axiom Space in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer III to lead a large crew-system project for the first commercial space station. You will direct complex mechanical work from concept to delivery, ensuring NASA and FAA compliance while mentoring junior engineers.

The role is onsite at Spaceport Facility, reporting to the Manager of Project Engineering, with responsibilities spanning cost, schedule, and risk management for cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with 5–8 years leading engineering projects.
• Spaceflight hardware design experience preferred and NASA requirements familiarity.
• Proficient with SOLIDWORKS and product data management (PDM).
• Experience with project management tools such as MS Project and Primavera P6.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and manage a large or moderately complex scope of work.
• Develop and maintain project requirements for large scopes of work.
• Create and maintain a project schedule and identify risks.
• Mentor Level I and II engineers within the program.
• Serve as CAM equivalent, owning cost, schedule, and EV reporting where applicable.
• Manage procurement within budget and review supplier submittals.
• Ensure compliance with NASA, FAA, and safety requirements.
• Communicate status to leadership and resolve cross-team issues.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree Mechanical Engineering

Spaceflight hardware experience

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

PDM

MS Project

Primavera P6

JIRA

Job description

Senior Mechanical Project Engineer III

Lead and deliver a large mechanical crew-system project for the first commercial space station successfully

Location: Houston, Texas

About The Role

Project Engineer

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.

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 Project Engineer 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 Senior Project Engineer III with knowledge in mechanical engineering and a background directing complex technical projects from conception to completion. In this role they will be responsible for supporting the design and development of Crew system products for the first commercial space station. This role is onsite, based on our Spaceport Facility and reports to the Manager, Project Engineering.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and manage a large or moderately complex scope of work
• Develop and maintain project requirements for large or moderately complex scope of work
• Create and maintain a project schedule for large or moderately complex scope of work
• Identify and manage risk for large or moderately complex scope of work
• Assign work scope to team members across large or moderately complex scope of work
• Contribute to resolution of technical issues spanning more than one team member's work within assigned scope
• Maintain and communicate status of the assigned scope, issues, and schedule to leadership
• Begin mentoring Level I and Level II engineers staffed within the same program
• Serve as Control Account Manager (CAM) equivalent for assigned scope, owning cost, schedule, and earned-value reporting when applicable
• Manage procurement requests within the approved budget for large scope of work
• Review supplier technical submittals for conformance within assigned scope, coordinating with Supply Chain on sourcing questions
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure products meet rigorous NASA standards, FAA regulations, and quality safety requirements
• 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:

• Bachelor's Degree Mechanical Engineering or related field and 5- 8 years' experience leading Engineering projects
• Spaceflight hardware design background preferred
• Experience working with NASA requirements and contractual agreements and spaceflight hardware development and certification preferred
• Experience with MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, etc.)
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling software or similar computer aided design tool preferred
• Experience with PDM software such as SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM) or similar preferred
• Experience with project management software (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)
• Experience with Atlassian suite preferred
• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to solve problems proactively, positively impacting hard 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:

• 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, 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.