Prototype Designer

Posted 5 Days Ago
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Houston, TX, USA
In-Office
Mid level
Aerospace
The Role
Designs and fabricates mockups, prototypes, tooling, and representative hardware for engineering development, human factors assessments, crew training, and production. Uses CAD/CAM software, digital fabrication tools, shop equipment, hand tools, and varied materials including wood, metal, composites, and plastics. Collaborates with engineering and production teams, develops fabrication capabilities, communicates project status, and applies agile project management practices. The role requires safe shop work, physical material handling, and flexibility for evenings and weekends.
Summary Generated by Built In

OVERVIEW

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 www.axiomspace.com.


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 Prototype Designer who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.


POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Prototype Designer, responsible for designing mockup and prototype hardware for conceptual models, human factors assessments, engineering development, production tooling, and crew training. This role

requires expert knowledge of various manufacturing methods and equipment, including hand and power tools, woodworking, metalworking, mold making, composites, and vacuum forming. A successful candidate excels at working with CAD and CAM software, collaborating with design and production teams, interpreting and developing engineering drawings, operating digital fabrication tools, and utilizing various manufacturing methods to build representative hardware.


KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Collaborating with engineering and production teams to develop projects

· Leading the design of mockup and prototype hardware

· Working with CAD software, such as Solidworks or Rhino 3D, to create models and production files

· Programming and operating digital fabrication tools, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers

· Using hand tools, power tools, and machines to fabricate components

· Operating shop equipment, such as table saws, drill presses, press brakes, and grinders

· Manufacturing products from a variety of raw materials, including wood, metal, composites, and plastic

· Assisting in the development of prototyping capabilities

· Lifting and moving heavy objects and materials

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


Education & Experience

· Technical certification and/or degree in Design or Engineering related disciplines with 4+ years of experience in fabrication, R&D, or shop environment

· Operational knowledge of CAD software, such as Solidworks or Rhino 3D

· Operational knowledge of CAM software, such as Mastercam or VCarve

· Ability to create schematics and assembly drawings

· Safe operation of hand and power tools, miter saws, drill presses, and metal forming tools

· Knowledge of materials, fasteners, and manufacturing processes

· Operational knowledge of 3D printers, laser cutters, and/or CNC routers

· Ability to work safely over uneven terrain, in confined spaces, or at height

· Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

· Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges

· Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high-quality results


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, a shop 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 50 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, religion, 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 a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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.

Skills Required

  • Technical certification or degree in design, engineering, or a related discipline
  • At least 4 years of experience in fabrication, research and development, or a shop environment
  • Operational knowledge of CAD software such as SolidWorks or Rhino 3D
  • Operational knowledge of CAM software such as Mastercam or VCarve
  • Ability to create schematics and assembly drawings
  • Safe operation of hand tools, power tools, miter saws, drill presses, and metal forming tools
  • Knowledge of materials, fasteners, and manufacturing processes
  • Operational knowledge of 3D printers, laser cutters, or CNC routers
  • Ability to work safely over uneven terrain, in confined spaces, or at height
  • Ability to solve problems proactively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
  • Demonstrated organizational skills for meeting tight deadlines with high-quality results
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
  • Eligibility for export-control screening and access to applicable technical data

Axiom Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Axiom Space and has not been reviewed or approved by Axiom Space.

  • Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive—medical, dental, vision—augmented by HSA/FSA, EAP, telemedicine, and wellness perks. Available benefits snapshots and listings consistently portray strong health offerings.
  • Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) with company matching alongside equity awards. This pillar is highlighted across company materials and third‑party benefits summaries as a stable component of total rewards.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is positioned as a strength, with flexible PTO, paid holidays (including floating days), and paid parental/family/military/disability leave. Vacation and PTO are noted as standout elements within the package.

Axiom Space Insights

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The Company
HQ: Houston, TX
505 Employees
Year Founded: 2016

What We Do

Axiom Space is the builder/owner/operator of the commercial space station that is replacing the International Space Station.

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