Human Spaceflight Life Support Systems R&D Engineer

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.

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 Human Spaceflight Life Support Systems R&D 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 Human Spaceflight Life Support Systems R&D Engineer to support the research, design, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced technologies that enable safe and sustainable human spaceflight.

Working within a multidisciplinary aerospace R&D laboratory, this individual will contribute to the development and validation of Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), including technologies for atmospheric revitalization, oxygen generation, carbon dioxide removal, water recovery, thermal and humidity control, and environmental monitoring.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and evaluation of experimental systems, components, and test articles to support research and development of life support technologies for human spaceflight applications.
• Contributes to the development of technologies that improve system capability, reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and resource utilization.
• Support the transition of laboratory concepts into prototype systems and technology demonstrations.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory test stands, experimental apparatus, instrumentation, and life support system prototypes.
• Develop and execute test plans, experimental procedures, and performance characterization activities involving gas processing, fluid systems, water treatment, filtration, chemical processes, sensors, and environmental monitoring, as applicable to assigned projects.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective-action development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify design improvements and resolve technical challenges and serve as a mentor.
• Configure and operate sensors, measurement devices, data acquisition systems, and laboratory monitoring equipment to acquire, process, analyze, and visualize experimental data using appropriate engineering software and analytical tools.
• Maintain accurate on-line laboratory notebooks, experimental records, calibration documentation, and configuration histories and communicate findings, test results, risks, and recommendations to project teams and technical leadership.
• Ensure experiments are performed safely and in accordance with approved procedures, laboratory protocols, and applicable engineering requirements while maintaining a clean, organized
• 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

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field, and 15 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of fundamental engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemistry, instrumentation, or control systems, depending on the candidate's background.
• Ability to follow technical procedures, operate laboratory equipment, troubleshoot hardware, and interpret experimental results.
• Proficiency in technical documentation, data analysis, and preparation of engineering reports.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results

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.)