Propulsion SME Engineer – Thruster Systems Verified today
About the Role
Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station. We are seeking an experienced Propulsion SME Engineer to own the end-to-end technical execution of bipropellant thruster systems. You will lead cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver to aggressive cost and schedule targets while maintaining safety and configuration discipline.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end technical execution of bipropellant thruster assemblies including combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, igniters, and associated valves and instrumentation from requirements through design, build, integration, test and flight readiness
- Serve as subject matter expert in thruster design, providing technical authority on system architecture, sizing, fluid/thermal/structural analyses, materials, manufacturability, and performance optimization
- Perform detailed modeling, analysis and simulation of thruster assemblies using tools such as ANSYS, Fluent, TDK, and CEA to evaluate combustion performance, thermal effects, structural margins and transient behaviors
- Design, plan and execute thruster development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns including instrumentation requirements, test planning and data correlation
- Lead internal and external design reviews, trade studies, and subassembly integration activities to ensure compliance with system requirements and program milestones
- Coordinate and manage technical requirements and design verification activities with external vendors and suppliers on cost, schedule, design, manufacturing and acceptance
- Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers
- Deliver against performance, safety, cost, and schedule targets
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline; advanced degree preferred
- 15+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion with demonstrated depth in thruster or liquid rocket engine design and development
- Significant hands-on experience with engine/thruster design, development, qualification, and integration including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters, and thermal management interfaces
- Expertise in combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics with demonstrated application to thruster performance and thermal analysis
- Experience developing and executing test campaigns including test planning, instrumentation selection, and data correlation
- Propulsion component experience spanning valves, filters, regulators, manifolds, and instrumentation interfacing with thruster assemblies
- 3D modeling software experience; SolidWorks preferred
Additional 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 an office environment in Houston, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task. Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) and may require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).