Mechanical Engineer - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

(NASA LTVS Award Contingent)

Glen Burnie, MD 

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. 

Excellent benefits package, including 26 days of paid vacation and up to 7 paid holidays. Eligible for health care (single and family) on your first day of employment. 401(k) plan with employer match available. 

Full-time position - apply now! 

About The Position  

We are looking for skilled Mechanical Engineers to join our team. This position will be located on-site at the IM Mechanisms Annex in Glen Burnie, Maryland.  The Mechanical Systems Engineer will work in a cross-functional team on the design, development, manufacture and test of space flight and ground support mechanisms, such as motor-driven actuators, payload deployers, antenna deployment and articulation devices, gimbal systems, launch hold-down systems, optical adjustment mechanisms, robotic manipulators and tools, and fluid couplings for cryogenic and rocket propellant systems.    

The engineer will assist in the concept development, design, build and test of a variety of articulation and deployment mechanisms associated with Intuitive Machines’ vehicles and landers. 

*Employment in this role is contingent upon NASA selecting Intuitive Machines as the winner of the LTVS program, scheduled for announcement later in 2025. 

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of mechanical structure, attachment systems, deployment systems, and payloads associated with IM’s LTV
• Own the design and development of mechanical ground support equipment, test equipment, and tooling
• Generate and review CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings in Creo, maintaining data in Windchill
• Oversee fabrication builds (internal and external), coordinating with machinists and additive manufacturing partners
• Define and execute verification tests, including actuator performance, geartrain life, and seal leakage
• Work with procurement to evaluate and manage machine shops and secondary vendors
• Interface with cross-disciplinary teams (structures, thermal, avionics, software) to integrate mechanisms into the vehicle
• Mentor entry-level engineers on design best practices and engineering processes

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline); M.S. preferred
• 5–10 years of experience in mechanical/electromechanical design and test
• Proficiency with Creo and Windchill
• Proficiency with component design and assembly management using 3D CAD software, preferably Solidworks
• Proficiency with ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 
• Familiarity with performance requirements development for mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with commonly used space and commercial specifications for materials, processes, fasteners, mechanical components, connectors, wiring, etc.
• Familiarity with common space industry additive and conventional metallic and composite manufacturing processes
• Experience with the generation of work orders, assembly procedures and test plans for mechanisms functional, vibration, thermal vacuum and life testing
• Familiarity with standard practices for assembly and environmental testing of space flight mechanisms as well as the tooling and ground support equipment associated with these tests

Preferred

• Background in space mechanisms or extreme-environment robotics
• Familiarity with procurement/vendor management for aerospace hardware
• Familiarity with standard practices for assembly and environmental testing of space flight mechanisms as well as the tooling and ground support equipment associated with these tests
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with electrical/software teams
• Exposure to NASA/DoD materials and process standards
• Hands-on experience with machine shop tools or prototyping strongly preferred

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.