Senior Structural Stress Analysis Engineer

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

About The Position

Axiom Space is seeking a Senior Structural Stress Analysis Engineer to perform detailed strength, fatigue, and fracture analysis of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and components for Axiom Station and related spacecraft systems. The role includes developing finite element models, performing hand calculations, evaluating structural performance under flight and ground loads, and demonstrating compliance with NASA and industry structural design requirements. The engineer supports structural verification from preliminary design through qualification and certification, working closely with design, loads, materials, manufacturing, and test engineering teams to ensure the safety, reliability, and structural integrity of human-rated spaceflight hardware. The position involves classical and finite element analyses across static, dynamic, thermal, pressure, and combined loading environments; structural sizing and verification; fatigue, fracture control, buckling, and margin-of-safety assessments; preparation of analysis reports and technical documentation; design-trade support; and support for structural testing and test correlation. The engineer is expected to maintain configuration-controlled technical products, follow organizational and customer requirements, communicate technical risks and status, and contribute to technical reviews and cross-functional coordination. The work is generally in an office environment, though tasks may involve work inside or outside. The role may require access to export-controlled technical data, subject to applicable screening and eligibility requirements. Evening and weekend work may be needed to meet critical project milestones.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Professional experience performing structural, stress, or finite element analysis for aerospace, spacecraft, or similarly complex structures: 3+ years with a B.S., 1+ year with an M.S., or 0+ years with a Ph.D.
Demonstrated experience performing classical and finite element structural analyses using commercial FEA software such as Nastran, Abaqus, ANSYS, or equivalent.
Strong foundation in materials mechanics, structural analysis, stress/strain relationships, structural stability, and failure theory.
Experience analyzing metallic structures and familiarity with composite materials analysis, pressure vessels, pressurized tubing and fittings, mechanisms, fasteners, and bonded joints.
Knowledge of aerospace structural design, verification, and margin-of-safety methodologies, including applicable industry standards and engineering best practices.
Ability to perform classical hand calculations and independently verify finite element results, using references such as Shigley’s, Roark's, and Bruhn.
Experience with CAD software such as CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent, and engineering tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar for analysis development, post-processing, and automation.
Ability to produce accurate, well-documented engineering analyses while maintaining configuration-controlled technical products.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across structural analysis, loads and dynamics, design engineering, materials and processes, manufacturing, and test organizations.
Initiative, sound engineering judgment, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate technical risks, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
Passion for space and the mission; positive attitude and creative problem-solving ability in a startup environment; entrepreneurial growth mindset; high EQ and cross-functional collaboration; and a technology-oriented approach to using systems and tools efficiently.
Demonstrate accountability, technical rigor, execution discipline, and pride of delivery, and embody leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Must meet applicable export-control screening and eligibility requirements for access to controlled technical data or technology.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

Perform classical and finite element stress analyses to assess structural integrity and demonstrate compliance with project structural requirements.
Develop, maintain, and update finite element models, analysis inputs, calculations, and supporting documentation in accordance with configuration management processes.
Evaluate structural response under static, dynamic, thermal, pressure, and combined loading environments using approved analysis methods.
Perform calculations and verification analyses for structural sizing, joint design, fatigue, fracture control, buckling, and margin-of-safety assessments.
Self-check calculations, assumptions, finite element models, and documentation before technical review and release.
Prepare clear, accurate, and complete stress reports, margin summaries, and technical documentation for verification and certification activities.
Support design trades by evaluating proposed design changes, identifying structural impacts, and recommending technically sound solutions.
Coordinate with Loads & Dynamics, Design Engineering, Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, and Test Engineering to obtain inputs and resolve technical actions.
Support structural testing through pre-test predictions, instrumentation recommendations, post-test correlation, and incorporation of test results into analysis products.
Maintain compliance with organizational analysis standards, engineering procedures, customer requirements, and applicable structural design criteria.
Communicate technical concerns, changing assumptions, requirement conflicts, schedule impacts, and execution risks to project leadership in a timely manner.
Participate in technical reviews and cross-functional meetings to present analysis status and findings and coordinate work with supporting disciplines.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.