Systems Engineering Manager, Requirements & Architecture

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 Manager, Requirements & Architecture Engineering responsible for leading the department and owning the relevant processes for performing within our programs. This position reports on Vice President, Systems Engineering & Integration. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility.

Position Summary

Axiom Space is building the future of human spaceflight and orbital infrastructure, and the work is as complex as it sounds. We're looking for a high-energy, resilient leader to build and run our Architecture & Requirements Engineering team within the Systems Engineering, Integration & Test (SEIT) function.

You'll own the team's capability to deliver core systems engineering services: stakeholder analysis, concept of operations (ConOps) development, functional analysis, interface control, and technical requirements development and management. You'll lead engineers, shape system architecture, and make sure our programs are built on clear, traceable, well-managed requirements.

Key Duties & Reponsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering team, setting priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with organizational strategy
• Develop system architecture and design, and define system and subsystem interfaces
• Lead requirements decomposition from stakeholder needs through system, subsystem, component, and procurement specifications
• Allocate requirements to the architecture, and maintain traceability, derivation, change tracking, impact assessments, and ongoing updates
• Own technical and operational accountability for engineering deliverables across multiple projects or programs
• Develop and execute engineering roadmaps, resource plans, and budgets that support business objectives
• Identify and mitigate significant technical, schedule, and resource risks across the organization
• Staff programs with qualified SEIT engineers
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and workforce planning to build and scale the team
• Lead goal setting, mid-year reviews, performance evaluations, and year-end reviews, informed by feedback from peers and stakeholders
• Guide employee development conversations that address near-term needs and long-term career aspirations
• Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align engineering strategy with company-wide goals
• Represent engineering in leadership forums, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions
• Drive engineering process maturity, standards, and best practices across teams
• Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
• Communicate progress, status, and emerging issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the engineering function
• Perform other systems engineering tasks as needed

Education & Experience

Required

• BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical), Physics, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in system architecture and requirements management on complex space development programs, with related experience in space payloads, spacecraft, or space vehicles
• Hands-on experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with SysML or an equivalent modeling language in at least one MBSE tool (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, Innoslate)
• Proficiency with at least one requirements management tool (e.g., Jama, DOORS, Innoslate)
• Experience developing and maintaining system architecture using MBSE and the MagicGrid or OOSEM frameworks, aligned with NASA NPR 7123
• Experience managing and leading teams, including motivating direct reports and giving them clear, concise direction
• Ability to manage project scope and schedule
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with experience communicating to both senior decision-makers and technical audiences

Preferred

• Experience of NASA human spaceflight programs
• INCOSE CSEP certification
• Experience collaborating with subsystem design owners using SolidWorks/PDM to align architecture with mechanical and electrical constraints
• Experience supporting integration and test activities to validate modeled assumptions and compliance

Skills & Attributes

• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Sound judgment and a proactive approach to solving hard problems
• Strong organizational skills, delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines
• Results-oriented, with a creative approach to problem-solving
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and self-motivated
• Ability to coordinate closely with subsystem owners, program management, and mission operations to keep assumptions consistent and system behavior integrated
• Ability to conduct cross-discipline integration to identify risks, dependencies, and emergent system behaviors early in the lifecycle

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

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestone

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.)