Propulsion Systems Lead – IM-5 (Nova-D)

Intuitive Machines, LLC; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines, LLC in Houston, TX, seeks a Propulsion Systems Lead to guide the IM-5 propulsion subsystem from requirements definition through test and mission operations. This role offers direct influence on a flagship lunar mission and requires strong propulsion fundamentals, experience with cryogenic propellants, and proven leadership across engineering teams.

Candidates with senior-level experience are encouraged to apply; the team works on Nova-D and CLPS initiatives to advance lunar

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience owning propulsion hardware through development phases.
• Strong understanding of propulsion fundamentals.
• Experience with cryogenic propellants.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing schedules and priorities.
• Familiarity with Jira, MS Project, Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical owner for the IM-5 propulsion subsystem.
• Lead propulsion subsystem definition, design, integration, verification, qualification, acceptance, and mission operations activities.
• Define propulsion system requirements, maintain interface definitions, and ensure verification closure.
• Coordinate propulsion activities across systems engineering, structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, safety, and mission operations teams.
• Manage propulsion-related technical risks, action items, discrepancies, and anomaly investigations through closure.
• Develop and maintain propulsion subsystem schedules, priorities, and deliverables in coordination with program leadership.
• Oversee supplier selection, procurement support, technical oversight, and qualification activities for propulsion hardware.
• Lead component- and system-level test planning, execution, data review, and verification activities.
• Review and guide propulsion analyses including fluid system modeling, thermal-fluid analyses, performance predictions, transient simulations, and system-level studies.
• Utilize tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or equivalent systems to track technical actions, schedules, requirements, and execution status.
• Provide technical leadership and coordination across propulsion, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations teams.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to the continued growth of propulsion capabilities across Intuitive Machines programs.

Skills

Propulsion system design

Cryogenic propellants

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Project management

Technical communication

Reliability analysis

Education

BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

MS in related field

Tools

Jira

Microsoft Project

Confluence

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Houston, TX, US

Houston, TX

About Intuitive Machines:

Intuitive Machines is an innovative andcutting-edgespace 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 andadditionalprivate 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:

We are seeking a Propulsion Systems Lead to support the development, integration, test, and operation of the IM-5 mission, the first mission utilizing Intuitive Machines' Nova-D lunar lander platform. This requisition may be filled at various engineering levels depending on experience, demonstrated capability, and scope of ownership. Candidates with Senior, Staff, Principal, Lead Engineer, or equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.

Awarded through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, IM-5 expands Intuitive Machines' lunar surface operations and represents a significant step toward sustained lunar exploration. Nova-D is Intuitive Machines' next-generation lunar lander platform, designed to deliver larger payloads, infrastructure, and mission capabilities to the lunar surface in support of NASA's Artemis objectives and future commercial lunar activities.

As Propulsion Systems Lead, you will serve as the technical owner for the propulsion subsystem, guiding system development from requirements definition through design, fabrication, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence a flagship lunar mission and play a critical role in advancing humanity's return to the Moon.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as technical owner and primary focal point for the IM-5 propulsion subsystem.
• Lead propulsion subsystem definition, design, integration, verification, qualification, acceptance, and mission operations activities.
• Define propulsion system requirements, maintain interface definitions, and ensure verification closure throughout the program lifecycle.
• Coordinate propulsion activities across systems engineering, structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, safety, and mission operations teams.
• Manage propulsion-related technical risks, action items, discrepancies, and anomaly investigations through closure.
• Develop and maintain propulsion subsystem schedules, priorities, and deliverables in coordination with program leadership.
• Oversee supplier selection, procurement support, technical oversight, and qualification activities for propulsion hardware.
• Lead component- and system-level test planning, execution, data review, and verification activities.
• Review and guide propulsion analyses including fluid system modeling, thermal-fluid analyses, performance predictions, transient simulations, and system-level studies.
• Utilize tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or equivalent systems to track technical actions, schedules, requirements, and execution status.
• Provide technical leadership and coordination across propulsion, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations teams.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to the continued growth of propulsion capabilities across Intuitive Machines programs.

Requirements:

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ownership of propulsion hardware, subsystems, or other complex aerospace technical scope through significant phases of a development program.
• Strong understanding of propulsion system fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, spacecraft fluid systems, and propulsion integration.
• Experience developing, integrating, testing, or operating propulsion or fluid systems utilizing cryogenic propellants.
• Experience supporting hardware through design, fabrication, integration, qualification, acceptance, launch, and operational phases.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts and coordinating activities across engineering organizations.
• Experience managing technical schedules, priorities, and deliverables in a fast-paced development environment.
• Familiarity with Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or similar project management and issue-tracking tools.
• Strong technical communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
• Alignment with Intuitive Machines' core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.

Preferred / Differentiating Experience

• Experience with lunar landers, spacecraft propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or other aerospace flight hardware.
• Experience serving as propulsion lead, subsystem lead, responsible engineer, or technical lead on spacecraft development programs.
• Experience with methane, oxygen, hydrogen, or other cryogenic propulsion systems.
• Experience developing and validating propulsion system, fluid network, thermal-fluid, or performance models using tools such as GFSSP, Easy5, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Fluent, or equivalent engineering software.
• Experience supporting launch campaigns, mission operations, or planetary exploration missions.
• Familiarity with NASA programs, CLPS missions, Artemis objectives, or commercial lunar development efforts.

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.