Propulsion Engineer – Component Test & Acceptance

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston, TX seeks a Propulsion Engineer to support testing and acceptance of propulsion system components, with primary responsibility for test procedure development and data review, plus certification documentation for flight and ground hardware.

Depending on experience, role may include ownership of propulsion components and expansion to requirements, design, test planning, data disposition, and supplier coordination across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering, plus relevant experience.
• Experience testing aerospace propulsion or pressure system hardware.
• Ability to write/execute/review engineering test procedures and documentation.
• Ability to interpret and document test data clearly.
• Familiarity with propulsion components such as valves, regulators, sensors.

Responsibilities

• Support acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion components and hardware.
• Develop, review, and execute component acceptance test procedures.
• Review data for compliance and disposition anomalies.
• Generate and maintain test reports and documentation for certification.
• Coordinate test readiness and post-test reviews with technicians.

Skills

Test procedures

Data interpretation

Propulsion systems

Engineering communication

Safety & configuration control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Master’s degree +1 year of relevant experience

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Excel

Creo

SolidWorks

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. We believe our mission is to further research, communications, and exploration beyond low lunar orbit. With multiple NASA lunar missions in the making 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 spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

Houston, TX

About The Role

We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support the testing and acceptance of propulsion system components, with primary responsibility for test procedure development and execution, data review, and certification documentation for flight and ground hardware. The role also contributes to broader propulsion engineering efforts across the program lifecycle, including integration, anomaly resolution, and test or mission operations support as needed.

Depending on experience, this role may include ownership of specific propulsion components. As technical capability and demonstrated responsibility increase, scope is expected to expand to include component-level requirements definition, design, test planning, data disposition, and coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion system components, including proof pressure testing, leak testing, functional testing, and performance characterization.
• Develop, review, and execute component acceptance test procedures consistent with aerospace standards.
• Review test data for compliance to acceptance criteria and support disposition of nonconformances or anomalies.
• Generate and maintain test reports, data packages, and acceptance documentation required for flight and ground hardware certification.
• Support test readiness reviews, test configuration control, and post-test data reviews
• Coordinate with technicians and test operators during test setup, execution, and teardown to ensure safe and repeatable operations.
• Contribute to general propulsion engineering tasks as required, supporting system design, build, test, verification, and operations activities across multiple programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
• Minimum experience: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of relevant engineering experience, or Master’s degree + 1 year of relevant engineering experience
• Experience testing aerospace, propulsion, or pressure system hardware.
• Experience writing, executing, or reviewing engineering test procedures and technical documentation.
• Ability to reduce, interpret, and clearly document test data.
• Working understanding of propulsion or pressure system components such as valves, regulators, sensors, and other fluid hardware.
• Strong attention to detail, safety, and configuration control in a flight or test hardware environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering team.

Preferred / Differentiating Experience

• Experience performing acceptance, qualification, or certification testing of aerospace pressure or propulsion components.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and controlled test procedures.
• Experience with pressure testing, leak testing, and functional testing of fluid system components.
• Hands-on experience supporting component or subsystem testing in a lab or test facility.
• Experience working closely with technicians or test operators during hazardous or safety-critical testing
• Proficiency with engineering data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Excel
• Experience with CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks, or similar)

EEOC Statement

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.