Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer

Houston Texas 
Active or Previous Top Secret (Highly Preferred)
Occasional Travel Required

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, 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.

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Lead Engineer to support a confidential Department of Defense (DoD) space mission. This individual will play a critical role in the design, development, production, integration, and testing of advanced space vehicles, including satellites, landers, and other space systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Systems Engineering within a DoD environment and must be capable of working with classified partners to execute mission-critical objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead for the development of space systems, ensuring alignment with mission and program objectives.
• Oversee design, manufacturing, integration, and testing processes for space vehicles, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with DoD requirements.
• Apply Systems Engineering principles to develop requirements, architectures, trade studies, risk assessments, and verification/validation (V&V) strategies.
• Lead Design Analysis Cycles (DACs) and cross-functional technical reviews.
• Collaborate with internal teams, government agencies, and confidential partners to drive project success.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, etc.).
• Ensure adherence to classified project protocols, security measures, and compliance with DoD standards and regulations.
• Support mission planning, launch operations, and on-orbit operations, as required.
• Engage in occasional travel to partner locations, test facilities, and government sites.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship Required (due to DoD clearance requirements).
• Active or previous Top Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the design, development, and production of space systems (satellites, landers, reentry vehicles, etc.).
• Expertise in Systems Engineering methodologies, including requirements development, interface definition, system integration, and verification/testing.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, classified program execution, and ITAR regulations.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced and high-security environment.
• Proficiency in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, CAD software, and simulation tools.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with MIL-STD, NASA, and FAA regulations for spaceflight hardware and software.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with government customers, prime contractors, and classified partners.
• Experience with mission assurance, reliability engineering, and fault tolerance in space systems

EEOC
   
  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.