Guidance, Navigation and Controls - Trajectory Flight Operations Engineer

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  Guidance, Navigation and Controls - Trajectory Flight Operations 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 looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Guidance, Navigation and Controls -  Trajectory  Operations Engineer. The operations engineer will develop Axiom Mission Operations and certify to be an Axiom Flight Controller.  The flight controller will be responsible for real-time monitoring, analysis, and execution of all vehicle trajectory, attitude, and navigation functions during pre-flight, ascent and on-orbit phases. This role ensures the vehicle maintains the correct orbit, attitude, pointing, and navigation plan while meeting safety, mission, and system-performance requirements.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define the Concepts of Operations for crewed and uncrewed Axiom Space Station missions

• Develop or Analyze trajectory and orbital navigation data to ensure feasibility and safety of vehicle and crew

• Perform orbit determinations while maintaining situational awareness of vehicle constraints to optimize trajectory for dynamic events and minimize orbital risks

• Monitor onboard trajectory/navigation telemetry, profiles and parameters, and execute maneuvers in the Mission Control Center

• Detect and respond to off-nominal vehicle performance through execution of onboard and ground-commanded attitude profiles, burn profiles, and collision-avoidance actions

• Support conjunction assessment and maintain compliance with flight rules, procedures and processes

• Contribute to mission software requirements, testing, and integration for Axiom Station operations

• Validate profiles and vehicle compatibility for visiting vehicle docking/berthing, proximity operations, payload ops, jettison analysis, and comm-link acquisition

• Work with other systems Flight Controllers, Engineers and external stakeholders to ensure integrated trajectory and attitude compatibility

• Participate in pre-mission sims, mission rehearsals, and certification events

• Document anomalies, lessons learned, procedure and flight rule updates

• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership

• Implement and maintain 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 Aerospace Engineering or other related Technical degree preferred, 0-3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• 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

• Demonstrate ability to progress and accomplish flight controller certification

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.