Avionics FlatSAT Lead / Technical LeadHouston, Texas, United States
Position Overview:We are seeking a Flatsat Lead to architect, build, and manage our Flatsat infrastructure for the Intuitive Machines Altus Lunar Satellite program. The role will serve as the technical authority for a system that mirrors the spacecraft and enables development, integration, and testing across flight hardware, software, ground systems, and mission operations. The Flatsat will serve as a versatile hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed supporting flight software and firmware development, debugging, system capability enhancements, and real-time validation of complex subsystem interactions.
This role is responsible for defining the architecture, driving integration strategy, and ensuring the Flatsat evolves into a high-fidelity mission representation that supports rapid development, risk reduction, and mission success. You will collaborate closely with spacecraft, payload, comm, GNSS, PNT, and ground teams to expand Flatsat capability, plan and execute integration campaigns, and ensure the testbed reliably represents mission configuration throughout program evolution.
Your work will have a direct impact on program success, supporting spacecraft builds, payload integration, mission rehearsals, and full end-to-end system tests. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the center of spacecraft and payload integration. Reports to Avionics Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Define the architecture, configuration, and long-term roadmap of the Flatsat environment
- Develop system-level integration plans covering avionics, payloads, software, RF systems, and ground interfaces
- Ensure the Flatsat accurately represents spacecraft mission configuration and operational scenarios
- Establish and maintain infrastructure for full mission simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, and end-to-end validation
- Define and manage development of lab environment software and firmware to interface and be compatible with the Flight software / firmware
- Design or oversee the development of custom Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test interfaces
- Lead mechanical, electrical, RF, and network integration of Flatsat hardware
- Define power, communication, data-handling, and environmental support architectures
- Ensure maintainability, scalability, configuration control, and reliability of the system
- Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including regression testing and anomaly reproduction
- Coordinate across software, hardware, payload, comm, systems engineering, and ground teams
- Develop test plans and test procedures for payload and spacecraft system testing
- Support mission rehearsals, environmental test preparations, and readiness reviews
- Track risks, integration issues, and system limitations; drive mitigation strategies
- Manage configuration changes as flight hardware and payloads evolve over the program lifecycle
- Ensure safe operations, access control, and hardware handling discipline
- Maintain accurate documentation of design changes, procedures, test results.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years relevant experience (3+ with MS)
- Hands-on experience with spacecraft subsystems, avionics, or hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testbeds
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, system diagrams, and interface definitions
- Experience with test planning and test procedure development
- Strong understanding of spacecraft power systems, communications, C&DH, and ground interfaces
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, evolving technical environments
- U.S. citizenship
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Experience with RF integration/test (I&T)
- Experience leading integration efforts for spacecraft, small satellites, or payload development programs
- Experience designing or operating Flatsat, HWIL, or spacecraft system testbeds
- Familiarity with payload integration
- Experience with COTS RF, digital, and power measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters, logic analyzers, etc.)
- Background in high-reliability or mission-critical systems
- Experience supporting environmental tests or mission readiness/rehearsals
