Lead Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

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 Software Systems 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 Software Systems Engineer to support our Commercial Space Station program in Houston, TX. This individual will own the definition, integration, and verification of software systems supporting space operations and station infrastructure, spanning requirements, architecture, and interface work across the full software development lifecycle. The role operates within a standards-driven, MBSE-based development environment alongside multidisciplinary hardware, software, and avionics teams, and requires strong systems thinking, clear cross-disciplinary communication, and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Author software and system requirements (functional, performance, safety, cybersecurity, interface) using a model-based requirements approach

• Maintain bidirectional requirements traceability across the full lifecycle: ConOps system software design test

• Lead requirements reviews, change control boards, and impact assessments

• Define interfaces (ICDs), message schemas, timing budgets, and failure behaviors

• Participate in software architecture trades: partitioning, redundancy, data flows, and modes/states

• Collaborate with avionics, network, FPGA, and hardware teams to ensure end-to-end system integration

• Plan and author verification methods (test, analysis, inspection, demonstration) and define testable acceptance criteria

• Support integration activities across SIL/HIL environments, benches, labs, and flight/field test readiness

• Support safety analyses and derived requirements, including hazard analysis, fault response, and criticality/DAL determinations

• 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

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident; ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening

• Demonstrated experience authoring and managing software/system requirements (functional, performance, safety, and interface)

• Experience maintaining bidirectional requirements traceability across lifecycle stages

• Experience defining and managing interfaces (ICDs) and supporting integration activities

• Experience planning and/or executing verification activities (test, analysis, inspection, demonstration)

• Proficiency with at least one requirements management tool (e.g., Jama, DOORS, or Innoslate)

• Hands-on experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), using SysML or an equivalent modeling language, in at least one MBSE tool (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, Innoslate)

• Working knowledge of JIRA/Confluence and project/risk management practices

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or another technical/engineering field; 10+ years of systems engineering experience on software-intensive programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

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

• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace or spaceflight systems, ideally human-rated or safety-critical programs

• Experience with SIL/HIL integration environments, test benches, or flight/field test readiness activities

• Experience supporting safety analyses and derived requirements (hazard analysis, fault response, DAL/criticality)

• Experience with GitLab CI or equivalent DevSecOps/CI pipeline tooling

• Experience working in Agile or hybrid Agile/waterfall program environments

• INCOSE membership or certification (ASEP/CSEP)

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

• 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.