Lunar Lander Mission Operations Intern

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston is seeking a motivated Mission Operations Intern to support planning and preparation of upcoming lunar lander missions, including IM-4, IM-5, and future missions.

You will work with experienced operations personnel and spacecraft engineers to develop the plans, procedures, timelines, and training products necessary to conduct lunar missions, gaining hands-on exposure from mission planning through flight controller training and mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student in a technical field.
• Strong interest in spacecraft systems and mission operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Help develop mission timelines and payload operations.
• Maintain operational procedures for lander systems and mission activities.
• Assist in mission planning and engineering integration.
• Assist in flight controller training simulations.
• Develop training materials and mission readiness documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers and ops teams on missions.

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.

Houston, TX

Summer 2027

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

Intuitive Machines is seeking a motivated Mission Operations Intern to support the planning and preparation of upcoming lunar lander missions, including IM-4, IM-5, and future missions.

The intern will work alongside experienced mission operations personnel and spacecraft engineers to develop the plans, procedures, timelines, and training products necessary to conduct lunar missions. This position offers hands‑on exposure to the preparation of complex spacecraft operations, from mission planning and engineering integration through flight controller training and mission readiness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, review, and maintenance of mission timelines, including spacecraft activities and payload operations.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of operational procedures for lunar lander spacecraft systems and mission activities.
• Participate in mission planning and engineering integration activities, helping translate technical requirements and spacecraft constraints into operational plans.
• Assist in the planning, scripting, preparation, and execution of flight controller training simulations.
• Support the development of training materials, technical documentation, and mission readiness products.
• Collaborate with mission operations personnel, engineers, and other technical teams to support mission

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong interest in spacecraft systems, space exploration, and mission operations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary technical environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new technical concepts, software tools, and operational processes.

No previous professional work experience or spacecraft operations experience is required.

Preferred Requirements

• Academic coursework or projects involving spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, control systems, systems engineering, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, including macros or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and other basic programming tools.
• Exposure to engineering team projects, robotics, simulation, or other complex technical systems.
• Interest in real‑time operations, mission planning, or flight controller training.

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.