TPS Test & Development Engineer — Space Tech (Houston)

Intuitive Machines Llc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Thermal Protection Systems Test and Development Engineer to lead the development, testing, and maturation of advanced TPS technologies for future aerospace systems. This role translates concepts into hardware, develops TPS materials, and guides test campaigns to inform technology progress and flight readiness.

You will work across a multidisciplinary engineering team to design test articles, plan experiments, interpret results, and support system implementation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• Experience related to thermal protection systems or high-temperature materials.
• Experience with laboratory research, testing, or hardware-focused work.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and mature TPS materials and 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

Strong problem-solving

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Ownership mindset

Technical curiosity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials/ Chemical Eng or Physics

Job description

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Thermal Protection Systems Test and Development Engineer to lead the development, testing, and maturation of advanced TPS technologies for future aerospace systems. This role translates concepts into hardware, develops TPS materials, and guides test campaigns to inform technology progress and flight readiness.

You will work across a multidisciplinary engineering team to design test articles, plan experiments, interpret results, and support system implementation