Axiom Space

Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

Axiom Space$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred)
  • 7+ years in thermal engineering, focused on human-rated hardware
  • Proficient in thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent)
  • Solid understanding of heat transfer principles and human thermal comfort
  • Experience with thermal testing and verification methods
  • Familiarity with CAD tools like SolidWorks or Space claim
  • Outstanding problem-solving and time management skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain thermal models for spacesuit systems
  • Perform compliance analyses for program requirements and mission objectives
  • Optimize performance of thermal garments for crew comfort
  • Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing
  • Lead validation activities and investigate anomalies
  • Create and review technical reports and verification artifacts
  • Mentor junior engineers and communicate project updates

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge space environment
  • Collaborative and innovative company culture
  • Defined pathways for professional development and mentorship
  • Engagement in challenging projects that directly contribute to space missions
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate project deadlines
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY

Given the complexity and fast-paced nature of the Axiom Space environment, we are seeking a resilient, highly motivated, and energetic Thermal Analysis Engineer IV to lead the design, development, verification, and certification of advanced spacesuit systems, including the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), Pressure Garment System (PGS), and associated extravehicular activity (EVA) hardware. This role is responsible for defining system-level thermal control strategies, integrating vendor and cross-functional engineering inputs into comprehensive thermal models, and leading thermal test correlation and validation efforts. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with NASA requirements and industry standards, provide technical leadership and mentorship to the thermal analysis team, and serve as the thermal discipline subject matter expert during program reviews, milestone events, and direct customer technical engagements.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop, validate, and maintain detailed thermal models (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent) of spacesuit assemblies and subsystems - including the Pressure Garment System, TMG, and LCVG - across all mission phases
  • Perform thermal analyses to ensure compliance with program requirements, human-rated design standards, and mission objectives
  • Analyze LCVG performance and its interaction with garment insulation layers to support crew thermal comfort and metabolic heat rejection requirements
  • Support thermal vacuum and human-in-the-loop testing, including test planning, instrumentation placement guidance, and model-to-test correlation
  • Support verification and validation activities, including anomaly investigation and closure
  • Author and review technical reports, analysis packages, and requirement verification artifacts for internal reviews and customer milestones (NASA, commercial partners)
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level thermal engineers
  • Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
  • Support agile planning and tracking of thermal analysis tasks within program schedules
  • 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
  • 7+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience, including work on human-rated or crewed hardware
  • Proficiency with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys, or equivalent), including application to layered/soft-goods geometries
  • Strong foundation in conduction, radiation, and convective heat transfer, and human thermal physiology/comfort as applied to garment systems
  • Experienced with, and comfortable performing hand or spreadsheet calculations.
  • Experience with thermal testing and thermal math model validation.
  • Experience in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Space claim.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and sound judgment to proactively navigate ambiguous, hard technical challenges
  • Demonstrated time management and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality results
  • Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

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.)

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is a private space exploration company that aims to build the world's first commercial space station. The company was founded in 2016 by Michael Suffredini, who previously served as the manager of the International Space Station program at NASA. Axiom Space plans to launch its first module to the International Space Station in 2020, and eventually detach it to form the core of its own space station. The company has partnerships with major aerospace companies such as Boeing and SpaceX.
Learn more about Axiom Space

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