Satellite Mission Operations Intern – Altus

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston, TX is seeking a motivated Satellite Mission Operations Intern to support the operation, training, and ongoing development of mission operations capabilities for our Altus spacecraft.

You will work alongside satellite flight controllers and spacecraft engineers to assist in operations, planning, and training, gaining hands-on experience with real-time spacecraft operations and telemetry analysis.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a technical field (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, CS, Physics or Math).
• Strong interest in spacecraft operations and satellite systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary technical environment.
• Willingness to learn spacecraft systems, tools, and real-time operations processes.
• No prior professional spacecraft ops experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and preparation for Altus satellite operations and operational timelines.
• Support development and maintenance of spacecraft procedures and documentation.
• Participate in training simulations for flight controllers.
• Aid in preparing training materials to qualify flight controller proficiency.
• Support monitoring spacecraft status and reviewing operational data under supervision.
• Document spacecraft performance and follow up on issues and anomalies.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations staff to improve tools and procedures.
• Gain exposure to real-time operations of Intuitive Machines' satellite constellation as allowed by training constraints.

Skills

Spacecraft operations

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Strong written/verbal communication

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

Physics/Mathematics

Tools

Python

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. 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 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 aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

Houston, TX
Summer 2027

About Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space 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 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 aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

About The Position

Intuitive Machines is seeking a motivated Satellite Mission Operations Intern to support the operation, training, and ongoing development of mission operations capabilities for the company's Altus spacecraft.

The intern will work alongside satellite flight controllers and spacecraft engineers to support spacecraft operations, operational planning, and flight controller training. This position provides hands-on experience in spacecraft operations preparation and training, along with exposure to real-time operations of Intuitive Machines' satellite constellation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and preparation for Altus satellite operations, including spacecraft activities and operational timelines.
• Support the development, review, and maintenance of spacecraft operating procedures, checklists, and technical documentation.
• Participate in the planning, scripting, and execution of satellite flight controller training simulations.
• Assist with the preparation of training materials and other products used to qualify and maintain flight controller proficiency.
• Support spacecraft operations activities, including monitoring spacecraft status, reviewing operational data, and documenting spacecraft performance under supervision.
• Assist with the tracking and documentation of spacecraft operational issues, anomalies, and follow-up actions.
• Collaborate with spacecraft engineers and operations personnel to improve operational tools, procedures, and processes.
• Gain exposure to real-time operations of Intuitive Machines' satellite constellation as training and mission constraints permit.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong interest in spacecraft operations and satellite systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary technical environment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow established technical procedures.
• Willingness to learn spacecraft systems, operational tools, and real-time operations processes.

No previous professional work experience or spacecraft operations experience is required.

Preferred Requirements

• Academic coursework or projects involving spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, control systems, or related technical disciplines.
• Familiarity with programming or data analysis tools such as Python.
• Exposure to robotics, satellite projects, or engineering laboratory activities.
• Interest in spacecraft telemetry, command and control, and mission control operations.
• Familiarity with technical documentation, spreadsheets, or collaborative engineering tools.

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.