Materials & Process Principal Engineer

About the Role

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Materials & Process Principal Engineer to support the design and development of structural and mechanical components of space suits.

Responsibilities

• Advise, guide, and provide consultation on requirements for Materials & Processes (M&P) for intravehicular (IVA) and extravehicular (EVA) environments, including materials selection, process control, qualification, design for corrosion prevention, electrical bonding, flammability, toxic off-gassing, and processes specification.
• Perform trade studies for technical solutions, including make/buy recommendations.
• Provide input to program/project specifications and ensure appropriate materials requirements are incorporated into all program/project specifications at the right level.
• Review project/program documentation and specifications to ensure NASA standards are met regarding Materials and Processes used in spaceflight hardware.
• Assess whether standard vendor processes meet M&P requirements, and if not, clearly define changes that need to be implemented.
• Review production drawings for large complex assemblies systematically, documenting the review to the established requirements.
• Lead and coordinate internal and external M&P efforts for additive manufacturing, including material specifications, process specifications, supplier qualifications, part qualifications, mechanical testing, and customer-facing updates.
• Support the development of internal engineering and quality processes to standardize and accelerate material evaluation, implementation, and qualification.
• Provide vendors with recommendations for qualification and acceptance testing to satisfy verification of requirements.
• Provide inspection and manufacturing process support for human spaceflight systems.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, Math, or Materials Science.
• 15+ years of experience in material and process engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of NASA standards and material data requirements for spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrable mastery/success of materials and process engineering.
• Direct work experience in Metallurgy (heat treatment, corrosion control, additive manufacturing, welding, failure analysis, etc.).
• Knowledge of metallurgy, including aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, etc.
• Familiarity with requirements for contamination control and verification methods for space hardware.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing review for materials and processes.
• Experience with metallic materials processes, including additive manufacturing (AM), forging, casting, forming, extrusion, plating, coating, welding, brazing, anodization, and passivation.

Skills

• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
• Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Sense of Urgency
• Extreme Ownership
• Execution and Delivery
• Efficiency
• Effectiveness

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

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.

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).