Life Support Systems (LSS) Thermal Engineer at Axiom Space · Houston

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. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

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 Life Support Systems (LSS) Thermal Engineer 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 LSS Thermal Engineer, who will primarily be responsible for aiding Axiom’s Environmental Control & Life Support Systems (or ECLSS) team with the development, maturation, and operation of thermal-fluid spaceflight hardware to support the Axiom Station. This role will develop, iterate, and mature thermal system designs for low earth orbit environments by owning product delivery timelines through concept, design, fabrication, assembly, launch, on-orbit operation, and on-orbit services. This position reports to Life Support Systems Manager. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and create modern space station thermal-fluid system standards and practices, driving Axiom to the forefront of station production and operation
• Own design, development, integration, and verification of thermal-fluid hardware for crewed spaceflight applications
• Lead design and production reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Stress, avionics, manufacturing) to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements
• Lead thermal system trade studies and architecture decisions balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost
• Perform thermal-fluid system sizing and analysis for thermal-fluid hardware (radiators, pumps, heat exchangers, cold plates, accumulators, valves, regulators, lines, manifolds, and thermal interfaces)
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality
• Generate and/or review CAD models engineering schematics, drawings, analysis, assessments, and procedures for components, assemblies, and integrated assembly
• Develop and review thermal mathematical models and simulations to predict steady-state and transient thermal performance across all mission phases
• Conduct thermal-fluid analyses including pressure drop calculations, flow balancing, heat transfer assessments, fluid network modeling, and system performance characterization
• Validate designs by analysis or test, building development articles as needed
• Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and through on-orbit operation
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform additional job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
• 13+ years’ experience working on thermal systems, or similar role preferred
• Hands on experience building, testing, assembling, and/or integrating hardware
• Experience designing & analyzing thermal systems (heat exchangers, radiators, cold plates), or fluid components (valves, regulators, pumps, lines, manifolds)
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• 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
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (NX, Creo, or Solidworks) and test analysis tools (Python, or equivalent)
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to solve problems proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines
• Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification is preferred
• Knowledge of NASA or commercial space program standards is preferred
• Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint is preferred
• Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware is preferred

Core Skills

• 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

Core Competencies:

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• 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

Physical Requirements

• 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)
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.