Mechanisms Engineer, Mid Level - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

Mechanisms Engineer, Mid Level - Lunar Terrain Vehicle 

(NASA LTVS Award Contingent)

Salary: $95,000 - $203,000 based on experience & background (Across multiple levels)

Glen Burnie, MD 

About Intuitive Machines  

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting our customers and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety. 

Excellent benefits package, including 26 days of paid vacation and up to 7 paid holidays. Eligible for health care (single and family) on your first day of employment. 401(k) plan with employer match available. 

Full-time position - apply now! 

About The Position  

We are looking for skilled Mechanisms Engineers to join our team. This position will be located on-site at the IM Mechanisms Annex in Glen Burnie, Maryland.  The Mechanisms Engineer will work in a cross-functional team on the design, development, manufacture and test of space flight and ground support mechanisms, such as motor-driven actuators, payload deployers, antenna deployment and articulation devices, gimbal systems, launch hold-down systems, optical adjustment mechanisms, robotic manipulators and tools, and fluid couplings for cryogenic and rocket propellant systems.

The engineer will assist in the concept development, design, build and test of a variety of articulation and deployment mechanisms associated with Intuitive Machines’ vehicles and landers. 

*Employment in this role is contingent upon NASA selecting Intuitive Machines as the winner of the LTVS program, scheduled for announcement later in 2025. 

Responsibilities

• Lead design, layout, and analysis of space and robotic mechanisms
• Develop performance specifications for Stepper and BLDC actuators, lead procurement, and oversee testing/characterization
• Perform mechanism analyses including bearing and gear calculations, force and torque margins, lubricant life analysis, rigid and flexible body dynamic simulations
• Generate and review CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings in Creo, maintaining data in Windchill
• Oversee fabrication builds (internal and external), coordinating with machinists and additive manufacturing partners
• Define and execute verification tests, including actuator performance, geartrain life, and seal leakage
• Work with procurement to evaluate and manage machine shops and secondary vendors
• Interface with cross-disciplinary teams (structures, thermal, avionics, software) to integrate mechanisms into the vehicle
• Mentor entry-level engineers on design best practices and engineering processes

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline); M.S. preferred
• 5–10 years of experience in mechanical/electromechanical design and test
• Proficiency with Creo and Windchil
• Proficiency with ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 
• Familiarity with performance requirements development for mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience with bearings, seals, gears, or actuators in aerospace, robotics, or automotive system
• Strong hands-on fabrication and prototyping skills

Preferred

• Background in space mechanisms or extreme-environment robotics.
• Familiarity with procurement/vendor management for aerospace hardware
• Experience with the generation of work orders, assembly procedures and test plans for mechanisms functional, vibration, thermal vacuum and life testing
• Familiarity with standard practices for assembly and environmental testing of space flight mechanisms as well as the tooling and ground support equipment associated with these tests
• Familiarity with spaceflight mechanisms topics including motors, bearings and lubricants, geared systems, release mechanisms and robotic systems, and the integration of electrical components such as wire harnesses into these systems
• Familiarity with commonly used space and commercial specifications for materials, processes, fasteners, mechanical components, connectors, wiring, etc.
• Familiarity with common space industry additive and conventional metallic and composite manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with motion simulation software and finite element analysis tools
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with electrical/software teams
• Exposure to NASA/DoD materials and process standards

EEOC

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.