Propulsion Systems Lead – IM-5 (Nova-D)
About The Position
Intuitive Machines is seeking a Propulsion Systems Lead to support the development, integration, test, and operation of the IM-5 mission, which will utilize the Nova-D lunar lander platform. This role is for a technically focused individual who will serve as the technical owner for the propulsion subsystem, guiding its development from requirements definition through design, fabrication, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. The IM-5 mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and aims to expand lunar surface operations and support sustained lunar exploration. The Nova-D lander is designed for larger payloads and enhanced mission capabilities, aligning with NASA's Artemis objectives and future commercial lunar activities. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence a flagship lunar mission and contribute to humanity's return to the Moon.
Requirements
- BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated ownership of propulsion hardware, subsystems, or other complex aerospace technical scope through significant phases of a development program.
- Strong understanding of propulsion system fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, spacecraft fluid systems, and propulsion integration.
- Experience developing, integrating, testing, or operating propulsion or fluid systems utilizing cryogenic propellants.
- Experience supporting hardware through design, fabrication, integration, qualification, acceptance, launch, and operational phases.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts and coordinating activities across engineering organizations.
- Experience managing technical schedules, priorities, and deliverables in a fast-paced development environment.
- Familiarity with Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or similar project management and issue-tracking tools.
- Strong technical communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
- Alignment with Intuitive Machines' core values: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with lunar landers, spacecraft propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or other aerospace flight hardware.
- Experience serving as propulsion lead, subsystem lead, responsible engineer, or technical lead on spacecraft development programs.
- Experience with methane, oxygen, hydrogen, or other cryogenic propulsion systems.
- Experience developing and validating propulsion system, fluid network, thermal-fluid, or performance models using tools such as GFSSP, Easy5, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Fluent, or equivalent engineering software.
- Experience supporting launch campaigns, mission operations, or planetary exploration missions.
- Familiarity with NASA programs, CLPS missions, Artemis objectives, or commercial lunar development efforts.
Responsibilities
- Serve as technical owner and primary focal point for the IM-5 propulsion subsystem.
- Lead propulsion subsystem definition, design, integration, verification, qualification, acceptance, and mission operations activities.
- Define propulsion system requirements, maintain interface definitions, and ensure verification closure throughout the program lifecycle.
- Coordinate propulsion activities across systems engineering, structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, safety, and mission operations teams.
- Manage propulsion-related technical risks, action items, discrepancies, and anomaly investigations through closure.
- Develop and maintain propulsion subsystem schedules, priorities, and deliverables in coordination with program leadership.
- Oversee supplier selection, procurement support, technical oversight, and qualification activities for propulsion hardware.
- Lead component- and system-level test planning, execution, data review, and verification activities.
- Review and guide propulsion analyses including fluid system modeling, thermal-fluid analyses, performance predictions, transient simulations, and system-level studies.
- Utilize tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Confluence, or equivalent systems to track technical actions, schedules, requirements, and execution status.
- Provide technical leadership and coordination across propulsion, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations teams.
- Mentor engineers and contribute to the continued growth of propulsion capabilities across Intuitive Machines programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
