Trajectory Design Engineer

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the aerospace industry is seeking a Trajectory Design Engineer to join their Mission Design Group. This role involves designing optimal trajectories for space missions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to mission success through advanced trajectory analysis and optimization. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mission design and proficiency with industry-standard software.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mission design or trajectory optimization.
• Experience with lunar or interplanetary missions preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze trajectories for space missions.
• Simulate and optimize mission trajectories considering various factors.
• Collaborate with teams to execute mission plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

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

Ph.D. in relevant field

Tools

Copernicus

GMAT

STK/Astrogator

Python

Job description

Talent Acquisition Lead | Intuitive Machines | US Citizen | Commercial Space | NASA | Federal Services | Helping Make Lives Better | Mover of Needles

Position: Trajectory Design Engineer

About The Position

The Mission Design Group at IM specializes in designing trajectories, analyzing vehicle performance, and supporting mission operations as mission design and analysis experts. The Trajectory Design Engineer will develop optimal trajectories and mission plans for space missions such as lunar landings, interplanetary missions, and satellite deployments. This role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to define mission objectives, model spacecraft dynamics, and develop trajectory solutions to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze trajectories and constellations for IM missions in cislunar space, and assist with mission operations in a senior trajectory design capacity.
• Develop tools and techniques to analyze spacecraft 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.
• Create internal tools for operational maneuver planning and perform this role during IM missions.
• Contribute to technical proposals and presentations for future missions and contracts.

Preferred 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 with industry-standard software such as Copernicus, GMAT, or STK/Astrogator for trajectory design.
• Experience with Python for creating analysis and operations tools.
• Experience in high-fidelity trajectory simulations.
• Experience with mission operations and real-time trajectory adjustments is preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Information

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or other protected characteristics.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Industries: Aviation and Aerospace, Defense and Space Manufacturing, Space Research and Technology