Human Spaceflight Life Support Systems R&D Engineer

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

19d

About The Position

Axiom Space is seeking a Human Spaceflight Life Support Systems R&D Engineer to support research, design, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of technologies for safe and sustainable human spaceflight. The role works in a multidisciplinary aerospace R&D laboratory and contributes to the development and validation of Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), including atmospheric revitalization, oxygen generation, carbon dioxide removal, water recovery, thermal and humidity control, and environmental monitoring. The engineer assists with experimental systems and test articles, supports the progression of laboratory concepts into prototypes and technology demonstrations, and operates and troubleshoots test stands, instrumentation, and life support prototypes. The role also involves planning and executing experiments, analyzing and documenting results, communicating project status and recommendations, and ensuring safe work in accordance with laboratory procedures and engineering requirements. The position may involve office work and indoor or outdoor work depending on the task.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field, and 15 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Understanding of fundamental engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemistry, instrumentation, or control systems, depending on the candidate's background.
Ability to follow technical procedures, operate laboratory equipment, troubleshoot hardware, and interpret experimental results.
Proficiency in technical documentation, data analysis, and preparation of engineering reports.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
Good judgment and proactive problem-solving ability, with a positive impact on challenging problems.
Organization skills to meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality results.
Passion for space and the mission.
Entrepreneurial, growth mindset.
High emotional intelligence and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
Ability to use systems and tools to work smarter and faster.
Demonstrate accountability, technical rigor, execution discipline, and pride of delivery.
Embody the company's core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.
Final candidates may be required to undergo export-control screening to determine eligibility for access to controlled technical data or technology; meeting these requirements is a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Assist with designing, fabricating, assembling, integrating, and evaluating experimental systems, components, and test articles for life support technology R&D.
Contribute to technologies that improve system capability, reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and resource utilization.
Support transition of laboratory concepts into prototype systems and technology demonstrations.
Set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory test stands, experimental apparatus, instrumentation, and life support prototypes.
Develop and execute test plans and experimental procedures, and perform performance characterization for assigned projects involving gas processing, fluid systems, water treatment, filtration, chemical processes, sensors, and environmental monitoring.
Support troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective-action development.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify design improvements and resolve technical challenges; serve as a mentor.
Configure and operate sensors, measurement devices, data acquisition systems, and laboratory monitoring equipment; acquire, process, analyze, and visualize experimental data using engineering software and analytical tools.
Maintain online laboratory notebooks, experimental records, calibration documentation, and configuration histories.
Communicate findings, test results, risks, recommendations, project progress, status, and potential issues to project teams, stakeholders, and technical leadership.
Ensure experiments are performed safely and in accordance with approved procedures, laboratory protocols, and applicable engineering requirements; maintain a clean and organized work area.
Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.