Propulsion Engineer - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

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.

*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

• Design, analysis, and development of propulsion systems and components for space flight Cryogenic, monoprop, and cold gas propulsion architectures

• Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems

• Application of advanced propulsion system design experience, analysis principles, systems engineering, and operations.

• Design and operate propulsion system test equipment, writing and executing test procedures with a focus on safety.

• Includes but is not limited to high pressure plumbing, cryogenic fluids, high temperature systems.

• Requires knowledge and experience with fluid systems, valves, regulators, pumps.

• Conduct qualification and acceptance testing of components and systems

• Fabricate propulsion components and assemblies when necessary.

• The candidate will be encouraged to take on as much responsibility as practical and will be expected to play a role in the entire cradle-to-grave development process, including requirements development, conceptualization, supplier relationships, procurement, procedure development, and on-console mission operations support.  

Required Education/Experience/Skills This role is posted at multiple levels, entry to senior

• Must have a MS or a BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering school. 

• Proficiency in fields such as compressible and incompressible fluid dynamics, combustion, heat transfer, structural design, and material science

• Strong knowledge of propulsion system fundamentals, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion processes. Includes but is not limited to high pressure plumbing, cryogenic fluids, high temperature systems, valves, regulators, pumps etc. 

• Professional experience with in CREO, Solidworks, Ansys/Fluent, GFSSP, or similar

• Experience creating and validating engineering models

• Strong, team-oriented interpersonal communication

• Self-motivated and proactive

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Essential Requirements

• Effective verbal and written communication

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

• Excellent organizational skills  

• Creative approach to problem solving.

• Ability and willingness to work under compressed and aggressive delivery schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays during mission operations

• Embraces Intuitive Machines core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence 

• Teamwork - Eager and able to work in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary fashion in a fast-paced, dynamic and deadline-oriented environment

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.