Structural Analysis Section Manager

Job description

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 Structural Analysis Section Manager 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 Structural Analysis Section Manager. The Structural Analysis Section Manager provides functional leadership for the Structural Analysis organization, including Stress Analysis, Loads & Dynamics, and Structural Verification/Test. The role is responsible for developing the people, processes, tools, standards, and technical capabilities needed to support current and future programs. This position is accountable for workforce development, resource planning, technical governance, and the consistent delivery of high-quality analysis products that meet customer, quality, and configuration-management requirements. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Lead personnel assignments and priorities across multiple programs and technical disciplines within Stress Analysis, Loads & Dynamics, and Structural Verification/Test. Develop and execute section staffing strategies, including workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, retention, succession planning, cross-training, and employee development. Maintain labor forecasts, staffing plans, budget inputs, BOEs, ROMs, and resource estimates for section work to ensure programs have adequate structural analysis support to meet cost, schedule, technical quality, and customer commitments. Partners with program managers, chief engineers, and functional leaders to balance priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and manage technical and schedule risks. Serve as the escalation point for technical issues, staffing conflicts, quality concerns, and cross-disciplinary coordination challenges. Track and communicate section performance against budget, schedule, quality, deliverable completion, review closure, and customer commitments. Establish, maintain, and enforce section workflows, review gates, standards, templates, analysis checklists, reporting expectations, and configuration-control practices to ensure technical rigor and consistency. Establish and monitor metrics related to quality, productivity, staffing utilization, review effectiveness, and process maturity, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Conducts quality audits, supports customer reviews, design reviews, readiness reviews, and defines corrective-action activities related to structural analysis products and processes. Develop and maintain section technical capabilities, methods, software tools, automation solutions, and knowledge management practices (e.g., lessons learned) to ensure long-term competitiveness and program success. Conduct employee one-on-ones, performance evaluations, career development discussions, recognition, counseling, and promotion planning, while mentoring Stress, Loads & Dynamics, and Test leads. Review and approve employee timecards, overtime, travel, training, and resource requests. Communicate section performance, staffing risks, technical concerns, and improvement plans to upper management. 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience Required BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural, or related engineering discipline. 8+ years total engineering experience. Significant experience in structural analysis, loads and dynamics, structural testing and verification, and mechanical analysis. 3+ years experience leading engineering teams, technical organizations, or functional groups, including personnel development, resource planning, and multi-disciplinary coordination. Experience with industry-standard structural analysis tools and workflows, including finite element modeling, dynamics analysis, test correlation, and automation using software such as Nastran, FEMAP, Simcenter 3D, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools. Demonstrated ability to manage staffing plans, labor forecasts, budgets, schedules, priorities, and multi-program resource demands. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues and recommendations effectively to engineering leadership, program management, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders. Experience developing or enforcing engineering workflows, quality procedures, technical standards, review gates, and deliverable expectations. Strong communication, organization, mentoring, customer interface, and leadership skills. Preferred MS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering. PMP certification. Experience supporting human spaceflight programs and familiarity with NASA standards and requirements. Experience leading multi-disciplinary structural analysis organizations. Experience with configuration management and engineering quality systems. 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: Ownership and Accountability Pride of Delivery Quality and Technical Rigor WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally, an office 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 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.