Manager, Life Support Systems

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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, Life Support Systems, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
10+ years of experience in design and engineering, with emphasis on aerospace life support systems for spaceflight applications.
Strong working knowledge of mechanical, fluid and pressure-based systems.
Experience establishing and scaling engineering teams in a rapid-growth environment.
Experience mentoring or instructing engineers in technical fundamentals and engineering best practices.
Prior experience in a shared services engineering organization supporting multiple programs simultaneously.
Demonstrated hands-on experience as a hardware lead for complex flight hardware assemblies (human rated preferred).
Experience taking hardware from concept to flight delivery.
Track record of leading verification and validation (V&V) activities for flight hardware or systems.
Working knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and quality systems in design of environmental and thermal control systems.
Experience guiding and mentoring a diverse team.
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
Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Accountability
Technical Rigor
Execution Discipline
Pride of Delivery
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
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)

Responsibilities

Leading and managing a team of Mechanical, Thermal, & Life Support Engineers responsible for Environmental Control and Life Support System designs across all Axiom programs.
Establish, maintain, and enforce standards and practices to ensure technical rigor and consistency.
Partners with program managers, chief engineers, and functional leaders to balance priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and manage technical and schedule risks.
Maintain labor forecasts, staffing plans, and resource estimates for Life Support Systems work to ensure programs have adequate support to meet cost, schedule, technical quality, and customer commitments.
Define acceptance criteria for work performed by the discipline, establish review expectations and quality thresholds.
Provide technical subject matter expertise when requested by projects.
Establish and monitor metrics related to productivity, staffing utilization, review effectiveness, and process maturity, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and maintain team technical capabilities and knowledge management practices to ensure long-term competitiveness and program success.
Maintain clear competency expectations and role progression paths and foster professional growth and technical depth of the workforce.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.