Mechanical Engineer, Fluids, Environmental, and/or Thermal Control Verified today

About the Role

Axiom Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and testing of fluid and thermal systems for spaceflight hardware. This position reports to the Climate & Thermal Team Manager and is based onsite at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF) in Houston.

What You Will Do

• Select and qualify fluid and thermal system components (valves, sensors, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, fittings).
• Conduct trade studies, define requirements, and work with suppliers to ensure components meet performance and environmental needs.
• Develop and execute test plans for component-level verification, including pressure and flow testing, thermal cycling, and leak testing.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results in formal reports.
• Perform integrated system analyses combining fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to size components and predict system behavior.
• Build and correlate analytical models using MATLAB, Python, CFD, or thermal tools with test data.
• Generate and maintain system documentation including P&IDs, interface control documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Stress, avionics, manufacturing) to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements.
• Support hardware builds, system integration, and test operations as needed.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5 or more years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or thermal systems.
• Experience with fluid and/or thermal system design, analysis, and testing.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX, Creo, or SolidWorks) and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience designing or analyzing fluid components (valves, regulators, pumps, lines, manifolds) or thermal systems (heat exchangers, radiators, cold plates).
• Demonstrated ability to take engineering designs from concept through testing to production and delivery.
• Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on experience with test execution (pressure testing, flow testing, thermal cycling) and post-test data analysis.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Proven ability to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Hands-on experience with thermal control hardware.
• Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint.
• Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware.
• Understanding of electrical interfaces such as wiring diagrams, signal conditioning, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Knowledge of industry standards (NASA, ASME, ASTM, MIL-spec).
• Familiarity with vacuum system design, materials for space environments, and contamination control.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is required.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Work Environment

Generally office-based, but may involve inside or outside work depending on the task. Work involves sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs (5% of the time). Standard office equipment provided.