Life Support Systems; LSS Thermal Engineer

Position: Life Support Systems (LSS) Thermal Engineer
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.

For more information about Axiom Space, visit  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 Life Support Systems (LSS) Thermal Engineer who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARYWe are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced LSS Thermal Engineer, who will primarily be responsible for aiding Axiom’s Environmental Control & Life Support Systems (or ECLSS) team with the development, maturation, and operation of thermal-fluid spaceflight hardware to support the Axiom Station. This role will develop, iterate, and mature thermal system designs for low earth orbit environments by owning product delivery timelines through concept, design, fabrication, assembly, launch, on-orbit operation, and on-orbit services.

This position reports to Life Support Systems Manager. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDefine and create modern space station thermal-fluid system standards and practices, driving Axiom to the forefront of station production and operation

Own design, development, integration, and verification of thermal-fluid hardware for crewed spaceflight applications

Lead design and production reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Stress, avionics, manufacturing) to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements

Lead thermal system trade studies and architecture decisions balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, operability, schedule, and cost Perform thermal-fluid system sizing and analysis for thermal-fluid hardware (radiators, pumps, heat exchangers, cold plates, accumulators, valves, regulators, lines, manifolds, and thermal interfaces)
Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality

Generate and/or review CAD models engineering schematics, drawings, analysis, assessments, and procedures for components, assemblies, and integrated assembly

Develop and review thermal mathematical models and simulations to predict steady-state and transient thermal performance across all mission phases

Conduct thermal-fluid analyses including pressure drop calculations, flow balancing, heat transfer assessments, fluid network modeling, and system performance characterization

Validate designs by analysis or test, building development articles as needed

Support the manufacturing and assembly of hardware in the facility and through on-orbit operation

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

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & ExperienceB.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
13+ years’ experience working on thermal systems, or similar role preferred

Hands on experience building, testing, assembling, and/or integrating hardware

Experience designing & analyzing thermal systems (heat exchangers, radiators, cold plates), or fluid components (valves, regulators, pumps, lines, manifolds)
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics

Strong understanding of space environments (grounding/bonding, thermal, vacuum, regolith) and how they affect design decisions

Experience in defining and implementing engineering standards, processes, and practices

Proficiency with mechanical design tools (NX, Creo, or Solidworks) and test analysis tools (Python, or equivalent)
Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving…