Staff Mechanical Engineer - Structures & Mechanisms

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space seeks a Staff Mechanical Engineer for its Space Station Development Facility in Webster, Texas. You will lead design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components for the first commercial space station onsite.

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms, you will perform FEA, create detailed drawings, and drive qualification testing, with responsibilities spanning from concept to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering or related field required; a Master’s preferred.
• 7–12 years in mechanical engineering applied to mechanisms, mechatronics, or space/robotics.
• Strong knowledge of static/dynamics, fatigue, thermal effects, materials, lubrication.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, test, and evaluation of structural and mechanical components of the space station systems.
• Execute the engineering product lifecycle and lead design reviews.
• Develop requirements and design criteria; perform preliminary analysis (FBD, hand calculations, FEA).
• Deliver high-quality models and drawings; oversee hardware manufacturing and assembly.

Skills

SolidWorks

FEA

Structural Analysis

Spaceflight Hardware

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Ansys

MATLAB/Simulink

GD&T

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 Staff Mechanical 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

We are looking for a Staff 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.
• Develop requirements and design criteria.
• Perform preliminary analysis using free-body diagrams, hand calculations & FEA.
• Deliver high-quality models and drawings in a fast-paced environment.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly of hardware.
• Accountable for your designs, calculations, analysis, and results.
• Present findings and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.
• Systematically document progress, capture knowledge, and maintain an engineering notebook.
• Perform additional job 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 in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related field required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 7 to 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.
• Proficient in functional management and mentoring.
• Background with Spaceflight hardware design & NASA standards preferred.
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve 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 mindse
• 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.