Propulsion Engineer – Tank Test & Development
Houston, TX
About Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. We believe our mission is to further research, communications, and exploration beyond low lunar orbit. With multiple NASA lunar missions in the making 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 spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.
About the RoleWe are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support testing and development of propulsion system tanks across multiple spacecraft programs. This role is focused on executing acceptance and qualification testing of flight and development tanks, while working closely with structures, manufacturing, and propulsion teams to ensure safe, reliable hardware performance.
Tank hardware spans a wide range of applications, including cryogenic propellants, hypergolic systems, and high-pressure pressurant storage, across both metallic and composite designs.
This position may be filled at the Engineer or Senior Engineer level, with scope ranging from test execution and data ownership to technical ownership of tank hardware, test strategy, and certification activities based on experience and demonstrated capability.
Responsibilities:- Execute acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion tanks, including proof pressure, leak, structural, and functional testing
- Develop and execute test procedures; perform and lead test setup, execution, and teardown in collaboration with technicians
- Define test configurations, instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements for tank testing
- Reduce and interpret test data; generate test reports, certification documentation, and data packages
- Own data review against requirements and support disposition of nonconformances and anomalies
- Support troubleshooting and real-time decision making during hazardous and high-energy testing operations
- Participate in test readiness reviews, procedure reviews, and post-test data reviews
- Maintain configuration control of tank hardware, test setups, and procedures
- Coordinate closely with structures, stress, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment between design intent, test results, and structural margins
- Contribute to tank design iterations, verification planning, and system integration activities
- Serve as technical owner or Responsible Engineer for tank hardware or test campaigns
- Define qualification and acceptance test strategies, including structural margins, test factors, and certification approach
- Lead anomaly investigations and drive resolution across design, manufacturing, and test
- Provide technical leadership in tank design, analysis correlation, and verification closure
- Interface with program leadership, safety, and review boards for certification and readiness activities
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
- Engineer level: 2–6 years of relevant experience
- Senior level: Typically 10+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of pressure vessel or propulsion hardware
- Experience working with hardware in a test, lab, or production environment
- Experience writing or executing engineering test procedures
- Ability to analyze and clearly communicate test data
- Working knowledge of pressure systems, structural behavior, or fluid systems
- Strong attention to detail, safety, and configuration control
- Experience with propulsion tanks or pressure vessels (metallic or composite, including COPVs)
- Familiarity with cryogenic, hypergolic, or high-pressure gas systems
- Experience with structural or pressure testing (proof, burst, fatigue, etc.)
- Background working closely with structures or stress analysis teams
- Experience with nonconformance disposition, failure investigation, and root cause analysis
- Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA, ASME, COPV design/test standards)
- Experience supporting qualification, certification, or flight readiness reviews
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment
- Ability to support test campaigns, including off-hours when required
- Strong organizational skills and communication
Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Engineer level: 2-6 years of relevant experience
- Senior level: typically 10+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of pressure vessel or propulsion hardware
- Experience working with hardware in a test, laboratory, or production environment
- Experience writing or executing engineering test procedures
- Ability to analyze and clearly communicate test data
- Working knowledge of pressure systems, structural behavior, or fluid systems
- Strong attention to detail, safety, and configuration control
- Experience with propulsion tanks or pressure vessels, including metallic, composite, or COPV designs
- Familiarity with cryogenic, hypergolic, or high-pressure gas systems
- Experience with proof, burst, fatigue, or other structural and pressure testing
- Experience collaborating with structures or stress analysis teams
- Experience with nonconformance disposition, failure investigation, and root cause analysis
- Familiarity with NASA, ASME, and COPV design or test standards
- Experience supporting qualification, certification, or flight readiness reviews
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment
- Ability to support test campaigns, including off-hours when required
- Strong organizational and communication skills
What We Do
Intuitive Machines' complete lunar program unlocks the lunar economy to explore the solar system further and gain knowledge for the progress of humanity. As the premier provider of space services and technologies, Intuitive Machines is reestablishing the United States' dominance on the ultimate high ground, the Moon. Designed by the greatest minds in spaceflight, IM's lunar program will send the first American spacecraft to the surface of the Moon since the Apollo program and send the first spacecraft ever to reach the lunar south pole.
