Associate, Propulsion Test Engineer (early career)

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position due to ITAR compliance. Local candidates preferred. 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. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, 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. Axiom Space is building 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 Associate, Propulsion Test 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 seeking a resilient, high-energy Propulsion Test Engineer to own end-to-end test execution for a bipropellant engine/propulsion assembly—from translating requirements into test objectives and plans through test article integration, stand readiness, checkouts, hot-fire/qualification testing, anomaly resolution, and flight/acceptance readiness. You will lead cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver safely to aggressive cost and schedule targets while maintaining rigorous configuration control, test discipline, and data integrity. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on propulsion test operations experience, strong technical leadership, clear communication, and a bias for rapid, repeatable execution. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Own end-to-end propulsion test execution, from requirements flow down and test strategy through test article integration, stand readiness, hot-fire/qualification/acceptance testing, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness Serve as technical authority on test architecture and readiness, including instrumentation & DAQ, test stand interfaces/GSE, propellant loading/pressurization, chill down/thermal conditioning, purges/venting, ignition sequencing, controls, and safety systems Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and verification matrices (ATP/OTP/qualification/acceptance), including success criteria, constraints, and configuration baselines Lead and support test readiness activities (TRR/FRR) including hazard analyses, permit/compliance requirements, FMEA inputs, checklists, and go/no-go criteria Lead and participate in test trade studies, instrumentation selection, stand upgrades, operating envelopes, control logic, acceptance limits and coordinate subassembly integration and fit checks Conduct test operations: briefings, procedural compliance, real-time decision-making, and safe conduct of hazardous testing Own anomaly response and closure: lead troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and retest plans; drive disposition through configuration control Utilize analysis/modeling and test data reduction tools to predict performance, validate models, and ensure requirements compliance (transient performance, thermal limits, stability margins) Perform data reduction, correlation, and performance reconstruction — steady-state and transient — including model validation and requirements compliance verification Manage vendor and supplier interfaces for test hardware/GSE/DAQ/instrumentation on cost, schedule, manufacturing, calibration, and verification deliverables 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 degree from an accredited college or university in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline required; advanced degree preferred Relevant experience in propulsion test, test engineering, or propulsion development with significant hot-fire operations exposure Experience planning and executing propulsion test campaigns, including requirements flow down to test objectives, procedure development, readiness reviews, constraints management, and post-test reporting Hands-on experience with hot-fire test operations: test stand/GSE interfaces, propellant handling and loading, purge/vent systems, ignition sequencing, controls, and safe conduct of test Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, compressible flow, heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics; working knowledge of analysis and test-correlation toolsets such as ANSYS, Easy5, GFSSP, etc. Expertise in instrumentation and DAQ: sensor selection (pressure/temperature/flow/strain/accel), calibration practices, sampling/aliasing considerations, wiring/layout, and data integrity best practices Demonstrated sound judgment and proactive problem-solving including anomaly response, root-cause investigations, and corrective-action closure 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 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.