Optical Navigation Engineer for Lunar Missions

Intuitive Machines LLC; Annapolis (MD); Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines LLC is seeking an Optical Navigation Engineer to join the Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. The role involves developing ground-based and on-board optical navigation systems, validating flight software, and supporting NASA and commercial lunar/interplanetary missions.

Responsibilities include calibration, observation planning, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet mission requirements. Travel for team meetings and operations may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, Computer Science or related field.
• 2–5+ years of experience, or Master's with 0–2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, with tested, documented software.
• Knowledge of optical navigation, celestial navigation, terrain-relative navigation, and astrodynamics.
• Working knowledge of numerical optimization, probability/statistics, spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbit determination and trajectory design.
• Familiarity with Linux, Python packaging (Conda/mamba), and Git.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test optical navigation systems and flight software, including testing and validation.
• Support lunar programs and interplanetary missions.
• Perform camera calibration, observation planning, and image processing; develop planetary shape models/DTMs.
• Coordinate analyses with partners; define mission requirements and interfaces.
• Develop maintainable software with unit tests and version control; troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Linux

Git

Numerical optimization

Orbit determination

Celestial navigation

Computer vision

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Software engineering

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Aerospace/related)

Master's degree (Aerospace/related)

Tools

OpenCV

NASA GIANT API

NAIF SPICE toolkit

NASA cFS framework

Unreal Engine

VIRA

Git (version control)

Job description

Intuitive Machines LLC is seeking an Optical Navigation Engineer to join the Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. The role involves developing ground-based and on-board optical navigation systems, validating flight software, and supporting NASA and commercial lunar/interplanetary missions.

Responsibilities include calibration, observation planning, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet mission requirements. Travel for team meetings and operations may be required.