Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) SME Stress Engineer (NASA LTVS Award Contingent)

Axiom Space is collaborating with Astrolab, Inc. to develop a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for future Artemis missions, combining Axiom’s advanced AxEMU spacesuit with Astrolab’s FLEX rover to enable groundbreaking scientific exploration on the Moon’s surface. This partnership reflects Axiom Space’s broader mission to build era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

Axiom 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 Subject Matter Expert (SME) Stress 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 SUMMARY

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) Stress Engineer to join Axiom’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) program in support of NASA’s LTV Services (LTVS) contract in partnership with Astrolab. The role requires strong problem solving, organizational, time management, and communication skills. Experience in Extravehicular Activities (EVA) and Extravehicular Robotics (EVR) operations and hardware is desired.

Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab/Axiom being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS contract award.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working in a collaborative engineering team environment to produce crew interface structures.

• Performing classical and FEA (linear/non-linear statics, modal, frequency response, random response, explicit and implicit transient) analyses of flight hardware and other systems.

• Performing detailed calculations to ensure structural integrity of hardware for failure modes, including but not limited to static, fatigue, fracture, buckling, stability, and creep, and for mechanical joints such as welds and fasteners.

• Using appropriate analysis techniques, simplifications, assumptions, and experience-based judgements, to solve complex problems.

• Preparing and presenting technical reports, design documentation, and project updates to stakeholders.

• Performing 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 & Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in STEM from an accredited institution

• 10-15 years of experience in structural or mechanical engineering, or related field

• Strong mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis skills using 3D modeling and simulation tools; i.e. SolidWorks preferred

• Experience with NX (Simcenter)/NASTRAN finite element modeling or equivalent

• Experience with Fracture Mechanics and Damage Tolerance Analysis

• Familiarity with implementation of NASA Standards, Federal Standards, and/or DOD Standards

• Experience developing spaceflight hardware structures and mechanisms

Grit

• Passion for space and the mission

• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset

• Perseverance

• Resourceful, adaptable

Skills

• Executes priorities with precision and pace

• 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

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following 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.

• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.

• 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.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.