Senior Structural Stress Analysis Engineer at Axiom Space in Houston

Senior Structural Stress Analysis Engineer

Location: Houston

OVERVIEW

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 Senior Stress Analysis Engineer 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Stress Analysis Engineer, who will perform detailed strength, fatigue, and fracture analysis of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and components for Axiom Station and related spacecraft systems. This role involves developing finite element models, performing hand calculations, evaluating structural performance under flight and ground loads, and ensuring compliance with NASA and industry structural design requirements. The engineer will work closely with design, loads, materials, and test engineering teams to support structural verification from preliminary design through qualification and certification. This position is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and structural integrity of human-rated spaceflight hardware.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform classical and finite element stress analyses to evaluate structural integrity and demonstrate compliance with project structural requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and update finite element models, analysis inputs, calculations, and support documentation in accordance with team configuration management processes.
• Evaluate structural response under static, dynamic, thermal, pressure, and combined loading environments using approved analysis methods.
• Perform engineering calculations and verification analyses supporting structural sizing, joint design, fatigue, fracture control, buckling, and margin-of-safety assessments.
• Perform self-checks of calculations, assumptions, finite element models, and documentation prior to technical review and release.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and complete stress reports, margin summaries, and technical documentation supporting project 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 required inputs and resolve assigned 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 communicate analysis status, present technical findings, and coordinate assigned work with supporting disciplines.
• 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. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
• B.S. with 3+ years, M.S. with 1+ years, or Ph.D. with 0+ years of professional experience performing structural, stress, or finite element analysis for aerospace, spacecraft, or similarly complex structures
• 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. (Shigley’s, Roark's, Bruhn, and others.)
• Experience with CAD software (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and engineering tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar for analysis development, post-processing, and automation.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate, well-documented engineering analyses while maintaining configuration-controlled technical products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across structural analysis, loads & dynamics, design engineering, materials & processes, manufacturing, and test organizations.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound engineering judgment, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate technical risks, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission
• Positive attitude and ability for creative problem solving in a startup environment
• 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.