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Associate Manager, Mechanical CAD Design

Axiom Space

Axiom Space

Design
Houston, TX, USA
Posted on Mar 12, 2025

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.

The Associate Manager, Mechanical CAD Design leads a team of CAD designers in the development, modification, and maintenance of mechanical designs for aerospace components and systems. This role ensures designs meet industry standards, manufacturability requirements, and cost-effectiveness while supporting cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers. The Associate Manager provides technical guidance, supports design reviews, troubleshoots CAD software issues, and stays current with advancements in CAD technology. This position reports to the CAD Manager and requires occasional travel.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support and lead the design team in the design and development of the Space Station and other programs as needed

  • Design, develop, test, implement, and analyze technical products and systems

  • Assist in defining requirements and design criteria

  • Work as a conduit to collaborate between the design team and the engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective

  • Develop and manage 3D models, detailed drawings, and assemblies for aerospace components using industry-standard CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)

  • Conduct and communicate design evaluations with a focus on design for manufacturability (DFM)

  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical input to enhance product performance and reliability

  • Resolve design-related manufacturing challenges through CAD modifications and optimizations

  • Integrate CAD models with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems

  • Create engineering models and drawings for test/ground support equipment and flight hardware

  • Support the design team in reviewing the preparation and presentation of designs at design reviews

  • Maintain accurate design documentation

  • Stay updated on CAD advancements and recommend software or process improvements

  • Provide troubleshooting support for CAD software and modeling issues

  • Travel up to 5-10% as required, including local travel between facilities

  • Perform other 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

  • Associate’s degree in Engineering or related, similar, field required

  • BS degree in Engineering or similar field is preferred

  • Minimum 15 years’ experience creating manufacturing drawings with ASME Y14 standards

  • Minimum 10 years’ using 3D CAD for model creation (SolidWorks preferred)

  • Experience creating engineering drawings and dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y-14

  • Experience with PLM systems such as SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM), Teamcenter or similar

  • Spaceflight hardware design background preferred

  • Experience with Atlassian suite preferred

  • Machining and fitting experience preferred

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal skill

  • Excellent communication skill, verbal and written

  • Excellent organizational skills

  • Result oriented personality with a creative approach to problem solving

  • Ability to work in a team environment

  • Self-motivated

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.