TPS Test & Development Engineer - Hypersonic Systems

Intuitive Machines, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines, LLC in Houston, TX, is seeking a Thermal Protection Systems Test and Development Engineer to advance TPS technologies from concept to hardware. You will translate concepts into testable hardware, develop TPS materials and processes, and lead challenging test campaigns with cross-disciplinary teams.

The role encompasses planning and executing thermal, environmental, mechanical, and performance tests, interpreting results, and contributing to flight-system implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with experience in the field or related area.
• Experience with laboratory research, engineering development projects, testing, or hardware-focused technical work.
• Strong problem-solving and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrate initiative, technical curiosity, and willingness to take ownership of challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and mature TPS materials, components, and system concepts for aerospace and hypersonic entry applications.
• Plan, execute, and interpret thermal, environmental, mechanical, and performance testing of TPS materials and hardware.
• Design and develop test articles, fixtures, instrumentation approaches, and test procedures.
• Support development of reusable TPS technologies, including material systems, attachment approaches, inspection techniques, maintenance concepts, and refurbishment processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and resolve TPS development challenges.
• Analyze and communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and design reviews.
• Perform engineering analyses as needed to support test planning, data interpretation, and system development.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Initiative & curiosity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace / mechanical / materials / chemical / physics)

Job description

Intuitive Machines, LLC in Houston, TX, is seeking a Thermal Protection Systems Test and Development Engineer to advance TPS technologies from concept to hardware. You will translate concepts into testable hardware, develop TPS materials and processes, and lead challenging test campaigns with cross-disciplinary teams.

The role encompasses planning and executing thermal, environmental, mechanical, and performance tests, interpreting results, and contributing to flight-system implementation.