Optical Navigation Engineer

Intuitive Machines LLC • CA, US, IN

7h • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a talented and experienced Optical Navigation Engineer to play a key role on our Flight Dynamics - Interplanetary team. This position may be filled at Level II or Level III, with the scope of work and required experience described below.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s with minimum of 2-5+ years of experience, or Master’s with 0-2+ years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of optical navigation with expertise in celestial navigation, terrain-relative navigation, observational astronomy, astrodynamics, computer vision (classical and/or AI/ML), or software engineering.
• Working knowledge of numerical optimization, probability and statistics, spacecraft systems, and attitude dynamics. Level III candidates should apply nonlinear estimation and understand interactions with orbit determination and trajectory design.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, with experience translating requirements into tested, documented software.
• Experience with Linux, Python package management such as Conda/mamba, and configuration management such as git.
• Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and familiarity with engineering quality and verification practices.
• Excellent technical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and explain results to customers and mission partners.
• Demonstrated experience leading work groups and teams.
• Must be available to travel for team meetings and critical operations support as needed.
• Must be willing to cross-train in other deep space navigation disciplines as required to maintain our multi-mission workforce.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Experience with one or more of the following: astronomical image processing, planetary shape/terrain modeling, optical systems design and testing, camera calibration, statistical estimation, photometric analysis, deep space mission operations, embedded software development, space systems engineering, or space domain awareness.
• Experience with on-board spacecraft flight software development.
• Proficiency with Optical Navigation toolkits such as NASA’s GIANT API, and/or image processing toolkits such as OpenCV.
• Experience with the NAIF SPICE toolkit.
• Experience with NASA’s core Flight System (cFS) framework.
• Experience with image rendering tools such as Unreal Engine, VIRA, or vulkan.
• Experience with functional SWIL, real-time HWIL test environments, and/or physical flight or laboratory testing (such as aircraft or robotic testing).

Responsibilities

• Develop and test ground-based and on-board optical navigation systems and flight software, including functional testing and flight validation. Use modeling and simulation to assess performance, reliability, and safety.
• Support commercial lunar programs including the NOVA lunar landers and interplanetary projects such as NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX and Lucy missions.
• Perform operational analyses, camera/system calibration, observation planning, and image processing; develop planetary shape models and digital terrain maps of asteroids and the Moon.
• Coordinate analyses with industry and mission partners. Work with spacecraft subsystem engineers, scientists, and other stakeholders to define mission requirements, evaluate design alternatives, and resolve subsystem interfaces.
• Develop maintainable analysis and operations software using unit testing, peer review, and configuration control. Troubleshoot technical issues and improve software, designs, and processes.
• Verify measurement accuracy and system performance against specifications, quality standards, and applicable aerospace and safety requirements. Identify discrepancies and mitigate technical risks.
• Prepare technical reports, software documentation, and presentations for the navigation team and project stakeholders/leadership; maintain accurate records of changes, results, and progress.
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimates, and schedules; prioritize work within budget and deadline constraints.
• Perform other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level