Structural Welding Engineer
Axiom Space
Houston, TX, USA
Axiom Space is guided by the vision to build era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy for the benefit of every human everywhere. Axiom Space is the leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit. Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – a permanent commercial destination in low-Earth orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.
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 Welding Engineer 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 Welding Engineer, who’s responsible for developing, qualifying, and supporting welding processes used in the fabrication of flight and ground hardware. This role works closely with design, materials, stress, and manufacturing teams to ensure welds meet structural, safety, and certification requirements. The engineer defines weld procedures, supports supplier and in-house welding operations, and helps with troubleshooting issues during manufacturing and testing. They also play a key role in inspections, failure investigations, and continuous improvement of welding techniques for aerospace applications. This position reports to the Senior Manager – Structures & Mechanisms. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support production operations on full-scale welded assemblies, providing direction to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Advise, guide, and provide consultation on Axiom Space welding requirements for a variety of welding processes, including materials selection, process control, and weld qualification
- Support of welding-related Material & Processes group activities including written documentation, drawings review, review of vendor documentation, vendor onsite inspections, materials assessments, flight certifications, and related duties
- Review of design, engineering drawings, and project documentation to ensure that welding requirements are met
- 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
- Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering or related field with 9+ years of experience, or equivalent education/experience.
- Advanced expertise in welding engineering with strong knowledge of AWS specifications, codes, and standards.
- AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or ability to obtain certification within one year.
- Proven capability in tooling and fixturing design to minimize distortion and ensure weld consistency.
- Broad understanding of welding processes, material selection, weld sample preparation, and required tooling/fixtures.
- Hands-on experience with GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, PAW, FCAW, FSW, resistance welding, orbital welding, EBW, and LBW.
- Expertise in developing and qualifying weld processes, including WPS, PQR, test campaigns, mechanical testing, and NDE.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication.
- Experience with aerospace hardware, NASA standards, advanced alloys (Ni, Cu, etc.), and manufacturing methods (castings, forgings, AM, machining, leak/acceptance testing).
- Proficiency in root cause analysis using fractography/metallography (optical/SEM), hardness testing, chemical analysis, and mechanical evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive progress on complex challenges.
- Strong judgment, proactive problem-solving, and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines with high-quality outcomes.
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, 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.