Manager, Engineering Portable Life Support System (PLSS)

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

54d

About The Position

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 drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere. 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 Manager, Engineering PLSS who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, 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 resilient, high-energy, experienced Manager, Engineering PLSS, who will primarily be responsible for aiding Axiom's Portable Life Support System (or AxPLSS) team with the development, maturation, and operation of spaceflight hardware to support the Axiom Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Spacesuit. This role will develop, iterate, and mature single-suit architecture designs for multiple mission environments (microgravity, partial gravity) by owning product delivery timelines through concept, design, fabrication, assembly, delivery, on-orbit demonstration, and on-orbit services.

Requirements

B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
7+ years' experience in life support engineering, or similar role preferred
1+ years' experience as a people leader
Strong understanding of space environments (grounding/bonding, thermal, vacuum, regolith) and how they affect design decisions
Experience in defining and implementing engineering standards, processes, and practices
Hands on experience building, testing, and/or assembling hardware
Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification
Experience designing complex systems that balance mass, cost, and capability
Knowledge of NASA or commercial space program standards
Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines
Passion for space and the mission
Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
Perseverance
Resourceful, adaptable
Executes priorities with precision and pace
High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Accountability
Sense of Urgency
Extreme Ownership
Execution and Delivery
Efficiency
Effectiveness
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.
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)
Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Responsibilities

Reporting to the PLSS Manager, this position leads a collaborative team developing and validating technologies that enable EVA operations for sustained human spaceflight in low-Earth orbit and beyond
Provide systems and technical engineering support for the Axiom life support architecture
Develop and aid management of PLSS requirements through system-level certification
Ensure designs satisfy requirements and demonstrate performance in a thorough verification and validation program
Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
Assist in developing and maintaining work tasks, integrated schedules, budget, and test plans
Interface with management and submanagers across the team
Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and through on-orbit operation
Review customer deliverables
Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement
Perform additional job duties as assigned