Intuitive Machines
Senior Trajectory Design Engineer
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 the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting 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. About The Position
As a Senior Mission Design / Trajectory Design Engineer on the GN&C team, you will be responsible for developing optimal trajectories and mission plans for various space missions, including lunar landings, interplanetary missions, and satellite deployments. You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to define mission objectives, model and simulate spacecraft dynamics, and develop robust trajectory solutions to ensure mission success. Responsibilities:
Design and analyze trajectories for IM missions in cislunar space, and assist with the operations of those missions in a senior trajectory design capacity. Develop internal tools and techniques to analyze high- and low-thrust performance of spacecraft via stochastic methods Simulate and optimize mission trajectories, accounting for constraints such as fuel efficiency, time, mission duration, and safety margins. Support mission planning, navigation, and control strategy development, ensuring that trajectory design aligns with overall GN&C objectives. Conduct failure analyses and develop contingency trajectories in response to potential mission anomalies. Work with flight dynamics teams to ensure accurate execution of mission plans and support real-time trajectory corrections during mission operations. Perform operational maneuver planning and reconstruction Contribute to technical proposals and presentations for future missions and contract bids. Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Ph.D. is a plus. 5+ years of experience in mission design, trajectory optimization, or space systems engineering, ideally with experience in lunar or interplanetary missions. Spacecraft trajectory design using industry-standard software, e.g. Copernicus, GMAT, or STK/Astrogator Use Python to create custom trajectory analysis and operations tools Experience in developing and analyzing high-fidelity trajectory simulations. Experience with mission operations and real-time trajectory correction is preferred. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment. Preferred Skills & 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.
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 the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting 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. About The Position
As a Senior Mission Design / Trajectory Design Engineer on the GN&C team, you will be responsible for developing optimal trajectories and mission plans for various space missions, including lunar landings, interplanetary missions, and satellite deployments. You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to define mission objectives, model and simulate spacecraft dynamics, and develop robust trajectory solutions to ensure mission success. Responsibilities:
Design and analyze trajectories for IM missions in cislunar space, and assist with the operations of those missions in a senior trajectory design capacity. Develop internal tools and techniques to analyze high- and low-thrust performance of spacecraft via stochastic methods Simulate and optimize mission trajectories, accounting for constraints such as fuel efficiency, time, mission duration, and safety margins. Support mission planning, navigation, and control strategy development, ensuring that trajectory design aligns with overall GN&C objectives. Conduct failure analyses and develop contingency trajectories in response to potential mission anomalies. Work with flight dynamics teams to ensure accurate execution of mission plans and support real-time trajectory corrections during mission operations. Perform operational maneuver planning and reconstruction Contribute to technical proposals and presentations for future missions and contract bids. Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Ph.D. is a plus. 5+ years of experience in mission design, trajectory optimization, or space systems engineering, ideally with experience in lunar or interplanetary missions. Spacecraft trajectory design using industry-standard software, e.g. Copernicus, GMAT, or STK/Astrogator Use Python to create custom trajectory analysis and operations tools Experience in developing and analyzing high-fidelity trajectory simulations. Experience with mission operations and real-time trajectory correction is preferred. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment. Preferred Skills & 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.