Propulsion Engineer – Tank Test & Development

Intuitive Machines LLC•Houston, TX

About The Position

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. We believe our mission is to further research, communications, and exploration beyond low lunar orbit. With multiple NASA lunar missions in the making and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, 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 spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety. We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support testing and development of propulsion system tanks across multiple spacecraft programs. This role is focused on executing acceptance and qualification testing of flight and development tanks, while working closely with structures, manufacturing, and propulsion teams to ensure safe, reliable hardware performance. Tank hardware spans a wide range of applications, including cryogenic propellants, hypergolic systems, and high-pressure pressurant storage, across both metallic and composite designs. This position may be filled at the Engineer or Senior Engineer level, with scope ranging from test execution and data ownership to technical ownership of tank hardware, test strategy, and certification activities based on experience and demonstrated capability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
Engineer level: 2–6 years of relevant experience
Senior level: Typically 10+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of pressure vessel or propulsion hardware
Experience working with hardware in a test, lab, or production environment
Experience writing or executing engineering test procedures
Ability to analyze and clearly communicate test data
Working knowledge of pressure systems, structural behavior, or fluid systems
Strong attention to detail, safety, and configuration control
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment
Ability to support test campaigns, including off-hours when required
Strong organizational skills and communication

Nice To Haves

Experience with propulsion tanks or pressure vessels (metallic or composite, including COPVs)
Familiarity with cryogenic, hypergolic, or high-pressure gas systems
Experience with structural or pressure testing (proof, burst, fatigue, etc.)
Background working closely with structures or stress analysis teams
Experience with nonconformance disposition, failure investigation, and root cause analysis
Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA, ASME, COPV design/test standards)
Experience supporting qualification, certification, or flight readiness reviews
Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools

Responsibilities

Execute acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion tanks, including proof pressure, leak, structural, and functional testing
Develop and execute test procedures; perform and lead test setup, execution, and teardown in collaboration with technicians
Define test configurations, instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements for tank testing
Reduce and interpret test data; generate test reports, certification documentation, and data packages
Own data review against requirements and support disposition of nonconformances and anomalies
Support troubleshooting and real-time decision making during hazardous and high-energy testing operations
Participate in test readiness reviews, procedure reviews, and post-test data reviews
Maintain configuration control of tank hardware, test setups, and procedures
Coordinate closely with structures, stress, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment between design intent, test results, and structural margins
Contribute to tank design iterations, verification planning, and system integration activities