Space Ground Systems Test Engineer – Lunar Missions

Intuitive Machines, LLC; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston, TX, is seeking a Ground Systems Test Engineer to join the mission-focused test team. You will design and execute RF ground-system tests for lunar and deep-space communications, and collaborate across systems, software, avionics, and ground teams to ensure reliable links.

The role requires a bachelor’s in engineering or physics and 3+ years in communications testing, with strong problem-solving and hands-on troubleshooting skills in a fast-paced spaceflight

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in communications or related fields.
• Experience testing communication ground system requirements and interface definitions.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Test communication systems to support ground stations for lunar, deep-space, satellite, and other missions.
• Define ground and subsystem test environments and procure/build test equipment/software.
• Test RF architectures, interfaces, antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, and related hardware.
• Test waveforms, modulation, coding/FEC techniques, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct performance analyses including Eb/No, C/N, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin.
• Ensure ground systems comply with constraints, standards, and requirements.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

RF testing

Ground systems testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

STK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ground Systems Test Engineer

Houston, TX, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1585

Ground Systems Test Engineer

Houston, TX

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.

Responsibilities:

• Test communication systemsto support satellite ground stations supporting satellites inlunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications.
• Define communication ground and subsystem test environment requirements and identify, purchase, and/or build test equipment/software.
• Test RF communication architectures, interfaces, and test activitiesincluding antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers, and related hardware.
• Test communication waveforms, modulation schemes, coding/FEC techniques, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Conduct communication performance analyses including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin assessments as needed to validate and troubleshoot potential issues
• Ensure communication ground systems comply with applicableconstraints, standards,and requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground systems engineers, to ensure successful communication system integration.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in communications or related fields.
• Experience testing communication ground system requirements and interface definitions.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems.
• Experience with Software Defined Radios/modems (SDRs), optical, and/or RF communications systems
• Experience with communication analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK,FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
• Experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with government standards, CCSDS protocols, and spectrum management activities.
• Experience supporting communication subsystem integration, verification, environmental testing, and mission operations.

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.