JR Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines, LLC is seeking a Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer to join the JETS II contract in Houston, TX. You will apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems, supporting design, analysis, and verification across multiple mission scenarios.

The role involves developing models in Python/MATLAB, creating CAD drawings, and participating in propulsion hardware assembly, testing, and mission simulations.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
• Experience with engineering analysis or data-processing tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and data.

Responsibilities

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, and structures to propulsion systems.
• Support design and analysis of propulsion components and assemblies.
• Perform fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
• Develop models and data-analysis tools using Python or MATLAB.
• Create or review CAD drawings and 3D models (Creo CAD).
• Support system architecture studies and trade assessments.
• Participate in propulsion hardware assembly and lab work.
• Assist with test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Review test data and verification documents.
• Investigate hardware anomalies and nonconformances.
• Prepare action items, variances, and certification artifacts.
• Assess impact of design changes on propulsion systems.
• Ensure pressure-system safety and contamination-control compliance.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Creo CAD

Job description

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.

Our long‑term partnership with NASA has created an exciting opportunity for Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer to Join the JETS II Contract.

Responsibilities

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine‑design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
• Support the design and analysis of propulsion‑system components and assemblies.
• Perform or review fluid‑flow, pressure‑system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
• Develop models, calculations, and data‑analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
• Develop or review engineering drawings and three‑dimensional models using CAD software.
• Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
• Assist with the selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
• Participate in propulsion‑hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom‑like environments.
• Support component‑ and system‑level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space‑representative testing.
• Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
• Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
• Support the preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
• Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
• Support compliance with pressure‑system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination‑control requirements.
• Assist with propulsion‑system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
• Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
• Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
• Prepare and present clear technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
• Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
• Perform other duties as required

Requisition Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area
• Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data‑processing tools.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
• Willingness to participate in both analytical and hands‑on engineering activities.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
• Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change
• Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments
• Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment

Requisition Preferences

• Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
• Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
• Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
• Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
• Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid‑system components.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
• Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal‑vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
• Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight‑hardware certification.
• Interest in human spaceflight, small‑spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

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.