Director, Space Station Avionics

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. We foster a diverse 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 person who is fueled by problem-solving, continuously curious, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond. 

Axiom Space is seeking a Director of Space Station Avionics to lead the development, integration, and operation of avionics systems critical to the Axiom Station. This role will oversee teams responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining key space station support systems, including navigation, propulsion, communication, and command & data handling. The Director will drive system verification, ensure mission readiness, and push technological advancements while balancing reliability and risk reduction. Additionally, they will manage vendor relationships, optimize manufacturing processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to define and execute development projects on an aggressive schedule.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the Axiom Station avionics system throughout all stages of integration, from design, production and test all the way through launch and operation

• Lead the teams that design, develop, test, deploy and then operate, maintain and troubleshoot avionics systems that are crucial to the Axiom Space Station operation. Space Station Support Systems include Life Support, Navigation, Guidance, Propulsion, Communication, Crew Interfaces, Command, Data Handling and others

• Lead and work collaboratively with other teams and customers to define the scope of development projects and initial product requirements as new designs move from concept, through prototype, and into production

• Develop tools and processes to support an unprecedented development schedule

• Perform design and manufacturing assessments of new designs and drive optimization for manufacturability, quality, and cost

• Be the lead on system projects including creation, maintenance, and communication of development schedules with sufficient detail to ensure that all assigned personnel are aware of their tasks and deadlines as well as identify internal and external resources required to support the project

• Develop, execute, and document the avionics system verification on flight and flight-representative hardware at the system-level and validate the as-built vehicle is "go for launch"

• Ensure data, control processors, and electronics are configured appropriately for vehicle and mission platforms and architectures

• Push Axiom’s Station avionics technologies to incorporate leading edge systems and state of the art capabilities whenever appropriate

• Play a pivotal role in addressing reliability requirements and risk reduction

• Implement a make vs. buy process for avionics products and components

• Write Statements of Work and support the management of avionics vendors

• Supervise avionics personnel development, training and mentoring activities

• Participate in new program proposals and initiatives    

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution

• 15+ years of management experience in NASA flight hardware development

• Proven leadership managing technical teams of 20+ professionals

• Expertise in Life Support Systems or other Criticality 1 hardware and software development, including rigorous testing protocols

• Extensive experience in formal test and verification activities, including flight software validation

Skills

• Proactive Leadership

• Software fluency, enabling automation of test or analysis tasks and manipulation of large data sets

• Experience with wire harnesses and associated sub-components

• Experience with 3D CAD software

• Experience installing and troubleshooting various electronic sensors and components

• Competence with electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.)

• Creative problem solver that can bring multiple disciplines together with the ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data

• Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication and documentation skills

• Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

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.

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, telephone, printer, etc.).

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity

• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods

• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources

• Teamwork - Eager and able to work in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary fashion in a fast-paced, dynamic and deadline-oriented environment

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.