Lunar Optical Navigation Engineer (Ground & Onboard)

Intuitive Machines Llc; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in AZ, US invites applications for an Optical Navigation Engineer to join our Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. Level II or III depending on experience will be considered.

You will develop ground-based and on-board optical navigation software, perform analyses, calibration, and image processing, and collaborate with engineers and mission partners on lunar and interplanetary programs. Strong Python/C++ skills, Linux, and familiarity with NASA toolkits are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s with 2–5+ years of experience, or Master’s with 0–2+ years in the field or related area.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of optical navigation with celestial navigation, terrain-relative navigation, observational astronomy, astrodynamics, computer vision, or software engineering.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, with experience translating requirements into tested, documented software.
• Experience with Linux, Python packaging (Conda/mamba), and configuration management (git).
• Must be a US Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test ground-based and on-board optical navigation systems and flight software, including testing and validation.
• Support lunar programs and interplanetary projects (NOVA lunar landers, OSIRIS-APEX, Lucy).
• Perform analyses, camera calibration, observation planning, and image processing; develop terrain maps.
• Coordinate analyses with industry and mission partners; define mission requirements and resolve interfaces.
• Develop maintainable analysis and operations software with unit testing and version control; troubleshoot issues.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations; maintain records of changes and progress.
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Travel for team meetings and critical operations support; cross-train as required.

Skills

Python programming

C/C++ programming

Linux familiarity

Software testing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s in related field

Tools

OpenCV

NASA GIANT API

NAIF SPICE toolkit

Git

Job description

Intuitive Machines in AZ, US invites applications for an Optical Navigation Engineer to join our Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. Level II or III depending on experience will be considered.

You will develop ground-based and on-board optical navigation software, perform analyses, calibration, and image processing, and collaborate with engineers and mission partners on lunar and interplanetary programs. Strong Python/C++ skills, Linux, and familiarity with NASA toolkits are required.