Remote Optical Navigation Engineer for Space Missions

Intuitive Machines, LLC; California; Remote; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines is seeking an Optical Navigation Engineer to join the Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. Level II or III with scope defined by experience. The role focuses on developing optical navigation systems, testing ground-based and on-board software, and supporting lunar and interplanetary programs.

You will work with spacecraft subsystems, scientists, and partners to meet mission requirements, plan observations, and validate software in a dynamic, multi-mission environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2–5+ years of experience, or Master’s with 0–2+ years in the field.
• Knowledge of optical navigation, celestial/terrain-relative navigation, and astrodynamics.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, with ability to translate requirements into tested software.
• Experience with Linux, package management (Conda/mamba), and version control (Git).
• Excellent communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop ground-based and on-board optical navigation systems and flight software.
• Support commercial lunar programs and interplanetary missions.
• Perform analyses, calibration, planning, and image processing; build terrain maps.
• Coordinate analyses with industry partners; define mission requirements and interfaces.
• Develop maintainable analysis/operations software with unit testing and configuration control.
• Prepare technical reports, software docs, and presentations for navigation team.
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimates, and schedules; manage within budget.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s in related field

Tools

Python

C/C++

Linux

Git

Conda/mamba

Job description

Intuitive Machines is seeking an Optical Navigation Engineer to join the Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. Level II or III with scope defined by experience. The role focuses on developing optical navigation systems, testing ground-based and on-board software, and supporting lunar and interplanetary programs.

You will work with spacecraft subsystems, scientists, and partners to meet mission requirements, plan observations, and validate software in a dynamic, multi-mission environment.