Thermal Analysis Engineer III

Axiom Space; California; On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space in California is seeking a Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer (Level III) to own the thermal design of AxEMU suit components (PLSS, PGS) and lead modeling, testing support, and design decisions. You will develop and validate thermal models (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys), perform CFD analyses, and collaborate across teams to ensure human-rated performance and mission success.

This role requires strong problem-solving, communication, and a hands-on approach to ensure design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 4+ years of thermal engineering experience.
• Thermal analysis experience on crewed hardware.
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys).
• Strong conduction, radiation, and convection knowledge; comfortable with hand/calculation methods.
• Experience with thermal testing and model validation.
• CAD experience with SolidWorks/SpaceClaim.

Responsibilities

• Own the thermal design and documentation for AxEMU components.
• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models of PGS, PLSS, and other assemblies.
• Run system-level thermal models and integrate results into suit-level analyses.
• Perform CFD analysis of thermal-fluid problems and deliver usable results.
• Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing, including test planning and correlation.
• Write analysis reports and present recommendations at design reviews.

Skills

Accountability

Technical Rigor

Execution Discipline

Pride of Delivery

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

4+ years thermal engineering experience

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Ansys

SolidWorks/SpaceClaim

Job description

OVERVIEW

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 Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer (Level III) 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

Given the complexity and fast-paced nature of the Axiom Space environment, we are seeking a resilient, highly motivated, and energetic Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer (Level III) to assist in building AxEMU, a next-generation spacesuit for NASA and commercial partners.

As a Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer III, you will own the thermal design and analysis of key suit components, including the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), the Pressure Garment System (PGS), and related EVA hardware. You’ll build and run models, support testing, and present results that drive design decisions and help certify the suit for human spaceflight.

You’ll work with limited supervision on well-defined problems and **escalate** the more ambiguous, cross-cutting issues to senior technical staff. If you thrive in a fast-moving environment and want your analysis to fly with a crew, this role is for you.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the thermal design and documentation for assigned AxEMU components, contributing to the overall suit thermal design
• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent) of the PGS, PLSS, and other assemblies across mission phases and operating conditions
• Run system-level thermal models and integrate subsystem results into suit-level analyses
• Perform CFD analysis of assigned thermal-fluid problems and deliver clear, usable results to the design team
• Demonstrate compliance with program requirements, human-rated design standards, and mission objectives through thermal analysis
• Integrate vendor and cross-functional inputs (power dissipation, material properties, interface conditions) into your models, and resolve discrepancies with the responsible teams
• Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing: test planning, instrumentation recommendations, execution support, and model-to-test correlation
• Support verification and validation, including investigating anomalies and driving assigned items to closure
• Write analysis reports, analysis packages, and requirement verification artifacts for internal reviews and customer milestones (NASA, commercial partners)
• Present results and design recommendations at design reviews and technical interchange meetings, with guidance from senior staff on higher-visibility reviews
• Collaborate across teams and keep stakeholders informed with regular project updates
• 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, plus 4+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience
• Thermal analysis experience on human-rated or crewed hardware
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys, or equivalent), including layered and soft-goods geometries
• Strong foundation in conduction, radiation, and convective heat transfer, and comfort with hand and spreadsheet calculations
• Experience with thermal testing and thermal math model validation
• Working knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including technical reports and presentations to technical and non-technical audiences
• Sound judgment, the ability to work independently, and the instinct to engage ambiguity at the right time
• Strong time management and the ability to deliver high-quality work against tight deadlines

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Spacesuit thermal analysis experience
• CFD experience (Ansys Fluent or equivalent)

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, 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.