Thermal Protection Systems Test & Dev Eng

Intuitive Machines • Houston, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Test and Development Engineer to support the development, testing, and maturation of advanced thermal protection technologies for future aerospace systems. The role involves translating concepts into hardware, developing and evaluating TPS materials and processes, leading and executing test campaigns, and interpreting results to guide technology development. As part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, the engineer will contribute to reusable TPS technologies through material development, integrated testing, hardware evaluation, and system implementation, supporting the lifecycle from early-stage development and characterization through testing and flight-system application. The position is on the JETS II contract at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering fundamentals applicable to thermal protection systems, high-temperature materials, hypersonic entry systems, aerospace hardware, or related fields.
• Experience with laboratory research, engineering development projects, testing, or hardware-focused technical work.
• Strong problem-solving and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Initiative, technical curiosity, and willingness to take ownership of challenging engineering problems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ceramics and/or glasses, coatings, insulation systems, attachment systems, or reusable TPS architectures.
• Experience planning, conducting, or supporting environmental and high-temperature testing of TPS materials and systems, such as torch testing, radiant heating, or arc-heated testing.
• Experience with materials characterization and experimental methods to understand material behavior; familiarity with ceramic and high-temperature materials is a plus.
• Experience designing, fabricating, or integrating engineering hardware, test articles, fixtures, instrumentation, or experimental equipment.
• Experience interpreting test results and correlating experimental data with engineering analyses.
• Working knowledge of TPS analysis methods, thermal modeling, or test-to-analysis correlation.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in developing, testing, and implementing next-generation aerospace technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and mature TPS materials, components, and system concepts for aerospace and hypersonic entry applications.
• Plan, execute, and interpret thermal, environmental, mechanical, and performance testing of TPS materials and hardware.
• Design and develop test articles, fixtures, instrumentation approaches, and test procedures.
• Support development of reusable TPS technologies, including material systems, attachment approaches, inspection techniques, maintenance concepts, and refurbishment processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and resolve TPS development challenges.
• Analyze and communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and design reviews.
• Perform engineering analyses as needed to support test planning, data interpretation, and system development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time