Propulsion Test Engineer: Spacecraft Testing

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston, TX seeks a Test Engineer to support propulsion test capabilities across programs. The role covers design, operation, and continual improvement of test stands and facilities, and includes planning, testing, data review, and continuous improvement across cryogenic and storable propulsion systems.

The position involves leading test campaigns and mentoring junior engineers, with responsibilities across planning, execution, and post-test reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics.
• Experience designing, building, operating, or supporting engineering test systems or complex mechanical systems.
• Experience developing engineering test procedures and technical documentation.
• Experience reducing, interpreting, and communicating engineering test data.
• Familiarity with pressure systems, fluid systems, instrumentation, valves, regulators, piping, and mechanical hardware.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
• Willingness to support test campaigns and mission operations schedules when required.
• Alignment with Intuitive Machines' core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop,operate, and improve propulsion test stands, facility infrastructure, and ground support equipment.
• Plan and execute development, qualification, acceptance, and integrated system testing of spacecraft, propulsion systems, engines, and associated hardware.
• Develop test plans, operating procedures, hazard analyses, and test readiness documentation.
• Support large-scale verification activities including spacecraft hot fires, propulsion system testing, vibration testing, and other integrated system tests.
• Define instrumentation and data acquisition requirements and ensure high-quality test execution and data collection.
• Analyze test results, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to improve hardware, facilities, and procedures.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, manufacturing, facilities, safety, and operations teams throughout the test lifecycle.
• Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews.
• Depending on experience, lead major test campaigns and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Test engineering

Propulsion test experience

Data acquisition & instrumentation

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Intuitive Machines in Houston, TX seeks a Test Engineer to support propulsion test capabilities across programs. The role covers design, operation, and continual improvement of test stands and facilities, and includes planning, testing, data review, and continuous improvement across cryogenic and storable propulsion systems.

The position involves leading test campaigns and mentoring junior engineers, with responsibilities across planning, execution, and post-test reviews.