Propulsion Systems Lead - LDN Spacecraft Programs
Houston, TX
About the Position:
We are seeking a Propulsion Systems Lead to support the development, test, integration, and operation of the Altus 2 and Altus 3 spacecraft programs. This requisition may be filled at various engineering levels depending on experience, demonstrated capability, and scope of ownership. Candidates with Senior, Staff, Principal, Lead Engineer, or equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
The Lunar Data Network (LDN) satellite constellation supports NASA's Artemis program and future commercial missions by providing navigation, communications, and data services around the Moon, enabling sustained human and robotic exploration. Altus spacecraft serve as key elements of this architecture, supporting communications and mission services throughout cislunar space.
As Propulsion Systems Lead, you will serve as the technical owner for the propulsion subsystem across two concurrent spacecraft builds, guiding propulsion development from design through integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role requires close coordination across engineering disciplines, suppliers, manufacturing, integration, and program leadership to ensure successful delivery of flight hardware and mission objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as technical owner and primary focal point for the Altus propulsion subsystem across Altus 2 and Altus 3 vehicle builds.
- Lead propulsion subsystem definition, design, integration, verification, qualification, acceptance, and mission operations activities.
- Define propulsion system requirements, maintain interface definitions, and ensure verification closure throughout the program lifecycle.
- Coordinate propulsion activities across systems engineering, structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations teams.
- Manage propulsion-related technical risks, action items, discrepancies, and anomaly investigations through closure.
- Develop and maintain propulsion schedules, deliverables, and priorities in coordination with program management and vehicle leadership.
- Oversee supplier selection, procurement support, technical oversight, and qualification activities for propulsion hardware.
- Lead component- and system-level test planning, execution, data review, and verification activities.
- Review and guide propulsion analyses including fluid system modeling, thermal-fluid analyses, performance predictions, and system-level simulations.
- Utilize tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or equivalent systems to track technical actions, requirements, schedules, and program execution.
- Provide technical leadership and coordination across propulsion, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations teams.
Requirements:
- BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated ownership of propulsion hardware, subsystems, or other complex aerospace technical scope through significant phases of a development program.
- Strong understanding of propulsion system fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and spacecraft fluid systems.
- Experience supporting hardware through design, fabrication, integration, qualification, acceptance, launch, and operational phases.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts and coordinating activities across engineering organizations.
- Experience managing technical schedules, priorities, and deliverables in a fast-paced development environment.
- Familiarity with Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or similar project management and issue-tracking tools.
- Strong technical communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
- Alignment with Intuitive Machines' core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.
Preferred / Differentiating Experience:- Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems utilizing hydrazine monopropellant propulsion.
- Experience serving as propulsion lead, subsystem lead, or technical lead on spacecraft development programs.
- Experience with satellite constellations, communications spacecraft, lunar missions, orbital spacecraft, or in-space transportation systems.
- Experience with electric propulsion systems, including Hall-effect thrusters, ion propulsion systems, xenon feed systems, power processing units, or related technologies.
- Experience overseeing flight hardware manufacturing, integration, qualification, and acceptance activities.
- Experience developing and validating propulsion system, fluid network, thermal-fluid, or performance models using tools such as GFSSP, Easy5, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent engineering software.
- Experience supporting spacecraft launch campaigns and on-orbit operations.
- Familiarity with NASA, DoD, or commercial spacecraft development programs and review processes.
