Life Support Systems (LSS) Thermal Engineer
Position Summary
We 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 (ECLSS) team with the development, maturation, and operation of thermal-fluid spaceflight hardware to support the Axiom Station.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Define 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 assemblies
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
Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
Perform additional job duties as assigned
Qualifications
B.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
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
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 environments
Uses good judgement to solve problems proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
Pioneering to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines
Familiarity with flight hardware development and certification is preferred
Knowledge of NASA or commercial space program standards is preferred
Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint is preferred
Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware is preferred
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
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)
Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)