Senior Trajectory Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Glen Burnie (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space company is seeking a Senior Trajectory Design Engineer to develop and analyze optimal trajectories for missions to lunar and interplanetary destinations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in trajectory optimization, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in relevant simulation software. You will work collaboratively with teams to ensure mission success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mission design and trajectory optimization.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in mission operations and real-time trajectory correction.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze trajectories for cislunar space missions.
• Simulate and optimize mission trajectories for fuel efficiency.
• Contribute to technical proposals for future missions.

Skills

Proficient in spacecraft trajectory design software

Experience in high-fidelity trajectory simulations

Strong analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Python

Copernicus

GMAT

STK/Astrogator

Job description

Senior Trajectory Design Engineer

About Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is an innovative space company dedicated to making cislunar space accessible for both public and private customers. Our mission is to advance science, exploration, communications, and economic growth from Earth to the Moon and beyond. We have achieved the first commercial lunar landing, are developing multiple NASA lunar missions, and have additional private missions planned. Our team comprises experts in spacecraft subsystems design, development, testing, on-orbit operations, and safety.

About The Position

The Mission Design Group at IM specializes in flight dynamics, focusing on trajectory design, vehicle performance analysis, and mission operations support. As a Senior Trajectory Design Engineer, you will develop optimal trajectories and mission plans for lunar landings, interplanetary missions, and satellite deployments. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define mission objectives, model spacecraft dynamics, and create robust trajectory solutions to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities:

• Design and analyze trajectories and constellations for IM missions in cislunar space; assist with mission operations in a senior trajectory design role.
• Develop tools and techniques to analyze spacecraft high- and low-thrust performance using stochastic methods.
• Simulate and optimize mission trajectories considering fuel efficiency, time, safety margins, and navigation capabilities.
• Conduct failure analyses and develop contingency trajectories for potential anomalies.
• Collaborate with operations teams to develop and execute mission plans, including real-time trajectory corrections during missions.
• Create internal tools for operational maneuver planning and perform these roles during IM missions.
• Contribute to technical proposals and presentations for future missions and bids.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; Ph.D. is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in mission design, trajectory optimization, or space systems engineering, preferably with lunar or interplanetary missions.
• Proficiency in spacecraft trajectory design software such as Copernicus, GMAT, or STK/Astrogator.
• Experience with Python for custom trajectory analysis and operational tools.
• Experience in high-fidelity trajectory simulations.
• Experience with mission operations and real-time trajectory correction.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.