Propulsion Test Engineer
Houston, TX
About the Role
We are seeking a Test Engineer to support the design, operation, and continual improvement of propulsion and integrated vehicle test capabilities across multiple programs. This role is responsible for developing test infrastructure, designing and operating propulsion test stands, planning and executing development and qualification testing, and supporting large-scale system verification including spacecraft hot fires and environmental testing.
The position supports both cryogenic and storable propulsion systems and contributes across the full test lifecycle, from facility and test stand development through test planning, execution, data review, anomaly resolution, and continuous improvement. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at multiple engineering levels, with responsibilities and ownership scaling accordingly.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop,operate, and improve propulsion test stands, facility infrastructure, and ground support equipment.
- Plan and execute development, qualification, acceptance, and integrated system testing of spacecraft, propulsion systems, engines, and associated hardware.
- Develop test plans, operating procedures, hazard analyses, and test readiness documentation.
- Support large-scale verification activities including spacecraft hot fires, propulsion system testing, vibration testing, and other integrated system tests.
- Define instrumentation and data acquisition requirements and ensure high-quality test execution and data collection.
- Analyze test results, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to improve hardware, facilities, and procedures.
- Collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, manufacturing, facilities, safety, and operations teams throughout the test lifecycle.
- Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews.
- Depending on experience, lead major test campaigns and mentor junior engineers.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
- Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics.
- Experience designing, building,operating, or supporting engineering test systems or complex mechanical systems.
- Experience developing engineering test procedures and technical documentation.
- Experience reducing, interpreting, and communicating engineering test data.
- Familiarity with pressure systems, fluid systems, instrumentation, valves, regulators, piping, and mechanical hardware.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
- Willingness to support test campaigns and mission operations schedules whenrequired.
- Alignment with Intuitive Machines' core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.
Preferred / Differentiating Experience
- Experience with propulsion, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aerospace development testing.
- Experience designing or operating propulsion test stands, ground support equipment, or hazardous test facilities.
- Experience supporting cryogenic and/or storable propulsion systems.
- Experience with integrated system testing including hot fire, vibration, thermal vacuum, or environmental testing.
- Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, LabVIEW, or automated test systems.
- Proficiencywith MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
- Experience using Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
- Familiarity with NASA, DoD, or aerospace test and safety standards.
