Lead Spacecraft Engineer

Lead Spacecraft Engineer 

Houston Texas

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 the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, to building the future of space communications infrastructure, 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 

The Lead Spacecraft Engineer serves as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for integrated spacecraft design and is responsible for leading the technical execution of spacecraft development across multiple missions. In this role, you will ensure seamless integration across subsystems, guide vehicle-level decisions, manage verification and validation efforts, and support the entire spacecraft life-cycle from design through mission execution.

 

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the company's technical SME for the integrated spacecraft design, and lead technical execution of the spacecraft development process
• Work directly with the PM(s) to manage the technical execution of each mission
• Develop and track the vehicle technical budget (mass, power, dV, link, etc)
• Manage design configurations across different missions
• Develop and own the integrated spacecraft V&V plan
• Review and evaluate the subsystem V&V plans
• Develop and own the FMEA
• Coordinate interface definition and tracking across subsystems
• Lead trade studies, technical analyses, and evaluation of internal design criteria to guide system-level decisions
• Manage proposed improvements or DTOs and support decisions on which flights to target for implementation
• Lead failure/anomaly resolution efforts, and work to drive NCRs to closure
• Coordinate change request and risk process execution for the spacecraft
• Track vehicle and mission-specific risks, and map them against V&V plans
• Lead various SE forums
• Coordinate vehicle integration flow and schedule with AI&T and the subsystem leads
• Support mission operations as a system expert

 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering or development, with significant experience leading integrated system design.
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional technical teams and leading vehicle-level systems engineering efforts.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems and how they interact at the system level.
• Experience developing and executing V&V plans, risk management, and FMEAs.
• Strong background in trade studies, technical assessments, and anomaly resolution.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate across disciplines and stakeholders.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ of experience in spacecraft systems engineering or development, with significant experience leading integrated system design.
• Experience with lunar, cislunar, or deep space missions.
• Familiarity with NASA systems engineering standards (e.g., NPR 7123, 8705, etc.)
• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710, SMC-S-016, and other aerospace standards
• Prior experience supporting flight missions from design through post-launch operations.
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, or other mission analysis software.

 

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.