Interplanetary Trajectory and Maneuver Design

Intuitive Machines, LLC; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines seeks an experienced Interplanetary Trajectory and Maneuver Design Engineer to join our Flight Dynamics Interplanetary team. The role can be remote or in person at the Littleton, CO office. You will support high-profile missions, perform trajectory analyses, and build navigation tools for trajectory design and visualization.

Requirements include aerospace/astrodynamics degrees, Python/Linux proficiency, and strong collaboration skills. US citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Master's degree with 0-2 years of experience or BS with 2-5 years experience in the field.
• Understanding of interplanetary trajectory design or navigation with expertise in at least one: astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, orbit determination, flight path control, low thrust mission design, or spacecraft GNC.
• Proficiency in Copernicus, STK, GMAT, EMTG, or other mission design software tools.
• Proficiency in Python programming language.
• Experience with Linux operating systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent technical, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Support high profile interplanetary missions such as NASA's OSIRIS-APEX, Lucy, and DAVINCI, as well as commercial Lunar and Mars programs.
• Conduct trajectory analysis for various spacecraft both in development and currently in operations, including high/low thrust trajectory optimization and trajectory trade studies.
• Perform operational maneuver planning, design, and verification as part of the ground navigation team for missions in flight.
• Build ground navigation tools and software for trajectory design, visualization, and analysis.
• Produce technical reports and present results to the ground navigation team and stakeholders.
• Coordinate analyses with industry and mission partners and work with subsystem engineers and scientists.

Skills

Python

Linux

Microsoft Office

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering/ Astrodynamics/ Physics

Bachelor's degree with 2-5 years experience

PhD in Aerospace Engineering/ Astrodynamics (preferred)

Tools

Copernicus

STK

GMAT

EMTG

MIRAGE

MONTE

NAIF SPICE

MATLAB

Python (general)

Git

Job description

Interplanetary Trajectory and Maneuver Design Engineer - KinetX

Littleton, CO; Remote

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 multiple NASA lunar missions in development and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, 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.

About the Position

We are seeking a talented and experienced Trajectory and Maneuver Design Engineer to play a key role on our Flight Dynamics Interplanetary team. This role can be remote or in person at our Littleton, CO office.

Responsibilities

• Support high profile interplanetary missions such as NASA's OSIRIS-APEX, Lucy, and DAVINCI, as well as commercial Lunar and Mars programs.
• Conduct trajectory analysis for various spacecraft both in development and currently in operations, including:
• High and low thrust trajectory optimization
• Trajectory trade studies
• Statistical Monte Carlo analysis
• Perform operational maneuver planning, design, and verification as part of the ground navigation team for missions in flight.
• Build ground navigation tools and software for trajectory design, visualization, and analysis.
• Produce technical reports and present results to the wider ground navigation team and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate analyses with, and work alongside, our industry and mission partners.
• Work closely with spacecraft subsystem engineers, scientists, and other stakeholders to understand mission requirements.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related discipline
• Master's degree with 0-2 years of experience in the field or a related area, OR a bachelor of science degree with minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or a related area
• Understanding of interplanetary trajectory design or navigation with expertise in at least one of: astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, orbit determination, flight path control, low thrust mission design, or spacecraft GNC.
• Proficiency in Copernicus, STK, GMAT, EMTG, or other mission design software tools.
• Proficiency in Python program language.
• Experience with Linux operating systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent technical, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Preferred Requirements

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, or related technical domain.
• Significant course study, research, or previous work experience in Astrodynamics (specifically small body dynamics), Statistical Orbit Determination, Linear Control Theory, or Optimization.
• Proficiency with MIRAGE and/or MONTE.
• Experience with the NAIF SPICE toolkit.
• Experience with coding in C/C++, MATLAB, PERL, or FORTRAN languages.
• Experience with Python package management systems such as Conda/mamba and configuration management systems such as git/gitlab.

US EEO Statement

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.