Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

That Startup Job; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space in Houston, TX seeks a Thermal Analysis Engineer IV to lead design, development, verification and certification of advanced spacesuit thermal systems, including PLSS and PGS, across mission phases.

The role requires building and validating detailed thermal models (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS), supervising testing, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring NASA and industry standards compliance while communicating progress to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience.
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys).
• Strong understanding of conduction, radiation, and convective heat transfer.
• Experience with hand or spreadsheet calculations and thermal testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models for spacesuit assemblies.
• Perform analyses to ensure compliance with thermal requirements and standards.
• Analyze LCVG performance and garment insulation interactions.
• Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing and model-to-test correlation.
• Authorize and review technical reports and verification artifacts for reviews.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Conduction/Convection/Radiation

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Ansys

SolidWorks

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

7+ years experience

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Ansys

SolidWorks

SpaceClaim

Job description

Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

CompanyAxiom Space

LocationHouston, Texas, United States

TypeOnsite

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 Thermal Analysis Engineer – IV 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 Thermal Analysis Engineer IV to lead the design, development, verification, and certification of advanced spacesuit systems, including the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), Pressure Garment System (PGS), and associated extravehicular activity (EVA) hardware. This role is responsible for defining system-level thermal control strategies, integrating vendor and cross-functioning engineering inputs into comprehensive thermal models, and leading thermal test correlation and validation efforts.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with NASA requirements and industry standards, provide technical leadership and mentorship to the thermal analysis team, and serve as the thermal discipline subject matter expert during program reviews, milestone events, and direct customer technical engagements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent) of spacesuit assemblies and subsystems — including the Pressure Garment System, TMG, and LCVG — across all mission phases
• Perform thermal analyses to ensure compliance with program requirements, human-rated design standards, and mission objectives
• Analyze LCVG performance and its interaction with garment insulation layers to support crew thermal comfort and metabolic heat rejection requirements
• Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing, including test planning, instrumentation placement guidance, and model-to-test correlation
• Support verification and validation activities, including anomaly investigation and closure
• Author and review technical reports, analysis packages, and requirement verification artifacts for internal reviews and customer milestones (NASA, commercial partners)
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level thermal engineers
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Support agile planning and tracking of thermal analysis tasks within program schedules
• 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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• 7+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience, including work on human-rated or crewed hardware
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys, or equivalent), including application to layered/soft-goods geometries
• Strong foundation in conduction, radiation, and convective heat transfer, and human thermal physiology/comfort as applied to garment systems
• Experienced with, and comfortable performing hand or spreadsheet calculations.
• Experience with thermal testing and thermal math model validation.
• Experience in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Space claim.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and sound judgment to proactively navigate ambiguous, hard technical challenges
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality results
• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

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.

Life at Axiom Space

Axiom exists . to make living and working in Earth Orbit commonplace . to improve life on Earth . to foster humanity's expansion into Space

The International Space Station's life is finite, and the world will soon be in need a of a new space station. Axiom, whose leadership has been involved in every ISS mission since the program's inception, is taking on this challenge by supporting expanded utilization of the ISS today while creating the first international commercial space station to later host government astronauts, private companies, and individual explorers alike.

Our low-cost Low Earth Orbit platform access and decades of human spaceflight management experience support the research, testing of exploration-enabling technologies, and in-space manufacturing that will create new opportunities for advanced industries, governments, and educators and enable future human space exploration.

Thrive Here & What We Value

• Mission-driven: Axiom Space's mission focuses on transforming lowEarth orbit into a global space marketplace, emphasizing the importance of innovation and exploration in their company culture.
• Inclusive environment: The organization values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender identity, or other protected characteristics, fostering an inclusive workspace for all team members to thrive.
• Collaborative approach: Axiom Space encourages collaboration among cross-functional teams, promoting a collaborative work environment and mentorship opportunities for junior team members.
• Safety and quality focus: The company prioritizes safety, quality, compliance with regulatory standards, and risk-based decision making to ensure mission success and customer satisfaction.
• Continuous learning: Axiom Space values continuous learning and improvement of testing processes through staying updated on new technologies and methodologies.
• Communication excellence: Effective communication is highly valued at the company, with a focus on sharing findings and recommendations to stakeholders in an impactful manner.
• Problem-solving orientation: The organization encourages strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking among its employees to address potential risks and challenges effectively.
• Customer service commitment: Axiom Space emphasizes the importance of customer service, ensuring that their team members are committed to meeting customers' needs and expectations.
• Time management focus: The company values time management skills as a key aspect of mission success, with an emphasis on efficient work processes and prioritization.
• Innovation-driven growth: Axiom Space is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in space exploration while fostering a dynamic team that contributes positively to Earth and beyond.