Lead Orbit Determination & Navigation Engineer

Intuitive Machines LLC; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines LLC seeks an Orbit Determination and Navigation Engineer (Level II or III) to advance navigation analyses, trajectory reconstructions, and mission support across multiple sites with remote options. You will develop estimation scripts, run covariance analyses, and deliver validated navigation products for mission teams.

The role requires a strong OD background, proficiency in Python and C/C++, and the ability to collaborate with engineers and mission operations, with travel as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• GPA 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Clear technical writing and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with engineering and mission operations teams.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to independently execute routine OD analyses using approved methods and tools, including estimation run setup, tracking data selection, residual review, covariance assessment, and checks of solution reasonableness.
• Experience developing, modifying, and maintaining analysis scripts and software workflows, with sound version control, testing, configuration management, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Support daily OD solutions and trajectory reconstructions, covariance analyses, tracking data quality assessments, and evaluation of forces affecting spacecraft trajectories.
• Produce trajectory updates that support maneuver design, reference trajectories, and science observations.
• Independently execute routine OD analyses and generate navigation products using approved tools.
• Configure estimation runs, assess residuals and covariance outputs, and evaluate solution behavior.
• Plan assigned analyses, identify data and resource needs, estimate effort, assess risks, and coordinate schedules.
• Test more complex solutions and troubleshoot issues, seeking guidance when needed.
• Develop and maintain OD scripts and workflows, verify results, and document changes.
• Prepare technical reports, communicate findings to mission teams and customers, and ensure assigned products meet applicable quality standards.
• Lead complex OD analyses and product development for assigned efforts.
• Define estimation strategies and validation methods, diagnose residual and covariance issues, and establish quality checks that reduce solution risks.

Skills

OD analysis

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline

GPA 3.5 or higher (4.0 scale)

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Python

C

C++

Perl

MATLAB

Fortran

Job description

Intuitive Machines LLC seeks an Orbit Determination and Navigation Engineer (Level II or III) to advance navigation analyses, trajectory reconstructions, and mission support across multiple sites with remote options. You will develop estimation scripts, run covariance analyses, and deliver validated navigation products for mission teams.

The role requires a strong OD background, proficiency in Python and C/C++, and the ability to collaborate with engineers and mission operations, with travel as