Propulsion Engineer

Intuitive Machines•Palo Alto, CA

3d•$82,000 - $136,000•Onsite

About The Position

Intuitive Machines - West is seeking a motivated engineer to develop space solutions as part of dynamic, collaborative interdisciplinary teams. The Propulsion Engineer will work in the Palo Alto, California offices and contribute to propulsion systems for low Earth orbit solutions, geosynchronous communications satellites, and Earth science missions. The role applies systems engineering discipline to complex space systems, hardware components, and their practical application. The position involves designing and analyzing satellite propulsion systems, specifying propulsion hardware, coordinating subsystem architecture with other engineering disciplines, defining test requirements, and supporting qualification and testing. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience, subject to the stated allowance for a master's degree toward experience. The California base salary range is $82,000 to $136,000 annually. Starting pay depends on job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. The company offers paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and a 401(k) to eligible employees. The application window is three days from the posting date and remains open until a qualified candidate is identified. Applications are submitted through the Lanteris Space Systems Career page. Lanteris Space Systems is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 2 years of relevant work experience; a master's degree may count toward two years of experience.
Experience or coursework in electric and chemical propulsion systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and physics.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, colloid thrusters, or other electric propulsion technologies.
Experience with gas feed systems and tanks.
Ability to create CAD models.
Ability to perform thermal, structural, and fluid analyses.

Responsibilities

Apply engineering knowledge and experience to solve propulsion-system problems.
Design bipropellant, monopropellant, cold gas, and electric satellite propulsion systems.
Perform subsystem analyses, including propellant-loading optimization, plume analyses, thruster alignments, and on-orbit performance assessments.
Specify propulsion hardware performance, including propellant and pressurant tank sizing, thruster selection and configuration, performance characteristics, redundancy, and fault management.
Coordinate with power, thermal, and bus electronics engineers to ensure subsystem architecture meets operational requirements.
Define and capture subsystem test requirements and flow them down to unit level.
Support qualification and testing of propulsion systems.
Contribute as a team player and apply project management skills.