Mechanical Engineer, Fluids, Environmental, and/or Thermal Control

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Axiom Space is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and testing of fluid and thermal systems for spaceflight hardware. The role involves taking components and subsystems from concept through integration, with a focus on strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on testing. The position reports to the Climate & Thermal Team Manager and is onsite at the Space Station Development Facility (SSDF). The engineer will select and qualify fluid and thermal components, conduct trade studies, define requirements, work with suppliers, develop and execute verification tests, analyze test data, and build and correlate analytical models. The role also includes maintaining system documentation, collaborating across engineering and manufacturing teams, supporting hardware builds and integration, communicating project status, and using agile project management methods. The work is generally performed in an office environment, but may involve indoor or outdoor work depending on the task. The position requires eligibility to complete a U.S. government background investigation and proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Evening and weekend work may be needed to meet critical project milestones.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
At least 5 years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or thermal systems.
Experience with fluid and/or thermal system design, analysis, and testing.
Proficiency with mechanical design tools such as NX, Creo, or SolidWorks, and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent.
Experience designing or analyzing fluid components such as valves, regulators, pumps, lines, and manifolds, or thermal systems such as heat exchangers, radiators, and cold plates.
Demonstrated ability to take engineering designs from concept through testing to production and delivery.
Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.
Hands-on test execution experience, including pressure testing, flow testing, and thermal cycling, and post-test data analysis.
Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
Good judgment and proactive problem-solving that positively impacts challenging work.
Ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
Hands-on experience with thermal control hardware.
Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, or SINDA/Fluint.
Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware.
Understanding of electrical interfaces such as wiring diagrams, signal conditioning, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
Knowledge of industry standards such as NASA, ASME, ASTM, and MIL-spec.
Familiarity with vacuum system design, materials for space environments, and contamination control.
Passion for space and the mission.
Entrepreneurial, growth mindset.
High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
Tech-solutioning skills in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster.

Responsibilities

Select and qualify fluid and thermal system components, including valves, sensors, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, and fittings.
Conduct trade studies, define requirements, and work with suppliers to ensure components meet performance and environmental needs.
Develop and execute component-level verification test plans, including pressure, flow, thermal cycling, and leak testing.
Analyze test data, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results in formal reports.
Perform integrated system analyses involving fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to size components and predict system behavior.
Build and correlate analytical models using MATLAB, Python, CFD, or thermal tools, based on component and system test data.
Generate and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, interface control documents, drawings, and specifications.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Stress, avionics, and manufacturing, to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements.
Support hardware builds, system integration, and test operations as needed.
Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.