Payload Engineer
Houston Texas, Onsite
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting 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 aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.
About The Position
The Payload Engineer will serve as the primary technical interface between Intuitive Machines and payload customers, ensuring seamless integration of customer payloads onto our lunar missions. This mid -level role requires an individual with a strong technical background in space systems, excellent customer-facing communication skills, and proven experience in managing payload integration for space missions.
The ideal candidate has experience working with government agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD) or space-focused private sector companies, acting as a focal point for payload management and technical problem-solving.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary technical liaison for payload customers, ensuring their requirements are well understood and integrated into mission planning.
- Lead the development of payload integration plans, operational plans, and other customer milestone deliverables.
- Lead the end-to-end payload integration process, from initial requirements gathering to final testing and verification.
- Develop detailed payload interface control documents (ICDs) to align with mission architecture and spacecraft design.
- Coordinate with internal engineering teams, including systems engineering, spacecraft design, and mission operations, to ensure payload compatibility and readiness.
- Provide technical oversight during payload testing, spacecraft integration, and mission operations.
- Proactively identify and resolve technical issues to maintain schedule and mission objectives.
- Maintain close communication with customers, ensuring their payload needs are met and that they are updated throughout the integration process.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in payload integration, systems engineering, or related roles within the space or aerospace industry.
- Hands-on experience with spacecraft systems, payload hardware, and/or integration testing.
- Familiarity with regulatory and technical standards for space missions, such as those set by NASA, DoD, or comparable commercial space standards.
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including experience creating ICDs and technical review materials.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage customer relationships effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with lunar or deep space mission payloads.
- Knowledge of data bus protocols (RS-422, etc.), thermal analysis, or spacecraft power systems as they relate to payload integration.
- Experience with mission operations and post-launch payload support.
- Proven track record of interfacing with customers to manage payload requirements, integration, and delivery for space missions.
EEO Statement
Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
