Aerospace Propulsion Test Engineer: Spacecraft Verification

Intuitive Machines, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Test Engineer to support the design, operation, and continual improvement of propulsion and integrated vehicle test capabilities across multiple programs, including cryogenic and storable propulsion systems.

The role covers test planning, execution, data review, anomaly resolution, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to lead campaigns and mentor junior engineers in a cross-disciplinary, safety-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics.
• Experience designing, building, operating, or supporting engineering test systems or complex mechanical systems.
• Experience developing engineering test procedures and technical documentation.
• Experience reducing, interpreting, and communicating engineering test data.
• Familiarity with pressure systems, fluid systems, instrumentation, valves, regulators, piping, and mechanical hardware.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, operate, and improve propulsion test stands, facility infrastructure, and ground support equipment.
• Plan and execute development, qualification, acceptance, and integrated system testing of spacecraft, propulsion systems, engines, and associated hardware.
• Develop test plans, operating procedures, hazard analyses, and test readiness documentation.
• Support large-scale verification activities including spacecraft hot fires, propulsion system testing, vibration testing, and other integrated system tests.
• Define instrumentation and data acquisition requirements and ensure high-quality test execution and data collection.
• Analyze test results, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to improve hardware, facilities, and procedures.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, manufacturing, facilities, safety, and operations teams throughout the test lifecycle.
• Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews.
• Depending on experience, lead major test campaigns and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Structural mechanics

Engineering test procedures

Data interpretation

Written and verbal communication

Cross-disciplinary teamwork

Project organization

Willingness to support campaigns

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace or related Engineering discipline

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Test Engineer to support the design, operation, and continual improvement of propulsion and integrated vehicle test capabilities across multiple programs, including cryogenic and storable propulsion systems.

The role covers test planning, execution, data review, anomaly resolution, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to lead campaigns and mentor junior engineers in a cross-disciplinary, safety-conscious environment.