Senior Optical Navigation Engineer for Space Missions

Intuitive Machines Llc; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines is seeking an experienced Optical Navigation Engineer (Level IV) to provide technical leadership across our interplanetary flight dynamics programs. You will drive optical navigation system design, calibration, testing, and software development for multiple missions.

The role requires strong Python/C++ software expertise, Linux environment experience, and the ability to guide teams through complex, mission-critical projects with high standards for reliability and safety. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with extensive relevant engineering experience delivering complex optical navigation systems and software across multiple projects.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of optical navigation disciplines, such as celestial navigation, terrain‑relative navigation, observational astronomy, astrodynamics, or computer vision (AI/ML).

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and design of ground‑based and on‑board optical navigation and camera systems, drive development and testing for flight readiness.
• Lead analyses, calibration, and image processing; develop planetary shape models and terrain maps.
• Coordinate analyses with industry and mission partners; define objectives and deliverables with engineers and stakeholders.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Linux

Astrodynamics

Computer Vision

Team Leadership

MissionOperations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics

PhD preferred

Tools

OpenCV

NASA GIANT API

NAIF SPICE

cFS

Unreal Engine/Vulkan

Git

Conda/mamba

Job description

Intuitive Machines is seeking an experienced Optical Navigation Engineer (Level IV) to provide technical leadership across our interplanetary flight dynamics programs. You will drive optical navigation system design, calibration, testing, and software development for multiple missions.

The role requires strong Python/C++ software expertise, Linux environment experience, and the ability to guide teams through complex, mission-critical projects with high standards for reliability and safety. U.S.