Manager, Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) Mockups Engineering (NASA LTVS Award Contingent)

Axiom Space is collaborating with Astrolab, Inc. to develop a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for future Artemis missions, combining Axiom’s advanced AxEMU spacesuit with Astrolab’s FLEX rover to enable groundbreaking scientific exploration on the Moon’s surface. This partnership reflects Axiom Space’s broader mission to build 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 Mockups Engineering Manager 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 looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced engineer to become our Mockups Engineering Manager for Axiom’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) program in support of NASA’s LTV Services (LTVS) contract in partnership with Astrolab. The role requires strong problem solving, organizational, time management, and communication skills. Experience in Extravehicular Activities (EVA) and Extravehicular Robotics (EVR) operations and hardware is desired.

Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab/Axiom being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS contract award.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading the team that develops, tests, and certifies Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) mockup hardware.

• Establishing strong working relationships with leadership, respective internal/external stakeholders, and NASA customers.

• Leading, collaborating, and conducting program design and safety reviews with internal development teams and NASA customers.

• Providing or leading project management efforts for managing, and mitigating schedule, budget, and risk activities.

• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.

• Providing mentorship to engineering staff.

• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Performing 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

• Bachelor’s or master’s (preferred) degree in STEM from an accredited institution

• 15-20 years of experience with Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) mockup hardware development, testing and certification activities

• Experience leading technical teams larger than 5 people

• Experience with project development, work management, and resource planning

• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

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

• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines

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