Interplanetary Trajectory and Maneuver Design

Intuitive Machines LLC • CA, US, IN

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a talented and experienced Trajectory and Maneuver Design Engineer to play a key role on our Flight Dynamics Interplanetary team. This role can be remote or in person at our Littleton, CO office.

Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related discipline
• Master’s degree with 0-2 years of experience in the field or a related area, OR a bachelor of science degree with minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or a related area
• Understanding of interplanetary trajectory design or navigation with expertise in at least one of: astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, orbit determination, flight path control, low thrust mission design, or spacecraft GNC.
• Proficiency in Copernicus, STK, GMAT, EMTG, or other mission design software tools.
• Proficiency in Python program language.
• Experience with Linux operating systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent technical, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, or related technical domain.
• Significant course study, research, or previous work experience in Astrodynamics (specifically small body dynamics), Statistical Orbit Determination, Linear Control Theory, or Optimization.
• Proficiency with MIRAGE and/or MONTE.
• Experience with the NAIF SPICE toolkit.
• Experience with coding in C/C++, MATLAB, PERL, or FORTRAN languages.
• Experience with Python package management systems such as Conda/mamba and configuration management systems such as git/gitlab.

Responsibilities

• Support high profile interplanetary missions such as NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX, Lucy, and DAVINCI, as well as commercial Lunar and Mars programs.
• Conduct trajectory analysis for various spacecraft both in development and currently in operations, including: High and low thrust trajectory optimization, Trajectory trade studies, Statistical Monte Carlo analysis.
• Perform operational maneuver planning, design, and verification as part of the ground navigation team for missions in flight.
• Build ground navigation tools and software for trajectory design, visualization, and analysis.
• Produce technical reports and present results to the wider ground navigation team and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate analyses with, and work alongside, our industry and mission partners.
• Work closely with spacecraft subsystem engineers, scientists, and other stakeholders to understand mission requirements.
• Perform other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree