Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

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

Job summary

Axiom Space seeks an experienced Thermal Analysis Engineer IV to lead design, development, verification, and certification of advanced spacesuit thermal systems, including PLSS and PGS, ensuring NASA-compliant solutions.

You will model cross-functional inputs, mentor the team, and drive test correlation through program milestones and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years of thermal engineering experience on human-rated or crewed hardware.
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys).

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models of spacesuit assemblies and subsystems (PLSS, PGS, EVA hardware).
• Perform thermal analyses to ensure compliance with human-rated design standards and mission objectives.
• Analyze LCVG performance and its interaction with garment insulation layers.
• Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing and model-to-test correlation.
• Mentor junior and mid-level thermal engineers; lead technical reviews.
• Communicate progress and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Mathematical problem solving

Team leadership

Mentorship

Communication to stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

ANSYS

SolidWorks

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.

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-functional 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.

• 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.

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.)

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.