Thermal Protection Systems Test & Dev Eng

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 multiple NASA lunar missions in development 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 aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

Our long-term partnership with NASA has created an exciting opportunity for Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Test and Development Engineer on the JETS II contract at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

About the Position

We are 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. This role is ideal for an engineer who can translate concepts into hardware, develop and evaluate TPS materials and processes, lead and execute challenging test campaigns, and interpret results to guide technology development.As a member of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will contribute to the advancement of reusable TPS technologies through material development, integrated testing, hardware evaluation, and system implementation activities. The position offers opportunities to work across the full lifecycle of TPS technology maturation, from early-stage development and characterization through integrated testing and application to flight systems.

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.

Requisition Qualifications

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• 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.
• Demonstrate initiative, technical curiosity, and willingness to take ownership of challenging engineering problems.

Requisition Preferences

• 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 (e.g., torch testing, radiant heating, arc-heated testing, or similar environments).
• 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 relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in developing, testing, and implementing next-generation aerospace technologies.

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.