Communications Systems Engineering Lead

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, to building the future of space communications infrastructure, 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

Intuitive Machines is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Systems Engineering Lead to oversee the development of IM s Lunar Data Network architecture, requirements, specifications, and service management. The successful candidate will directly support IM s Lunar Data Network Chief Engineer and will work closely with IM s Mission Operations, Flight Systems, and Ground Systems engineering teams to successfully design, build, deploy, and operate the first commercial lunar communication and navigation system as a multi-user service provider. You will play a crucial role in developing and integrating first-of-their-kind systems, architectures, and solutions to support direct-to-earth and space relay services.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the design and development of space communication systems and space communication network architecture architecture including spacecraft, ground systems, communications networks, and communications and tracking systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Develop architectures enabling commercial and government use of space communication services.
• Develop architectures, requirements, concepts of operations, network management strategies, and customer engagement strategies necessary to design, build, deploy, and operate space communications networks as a commercial service provider.
• Be involved in the development and implementation of spacecraft software, hardware, and systems including embedded systems, communication protocols, and data processing algorithms.
• Define and manage requirements, ensuring traceability and compliance with mission objectives and standards.
• Coordinate integration and testing activities for spacecraft, ground systems, network systems, operations systems, and customer engagement systems, collaborating with hardware, software, and operations teams and mission stakeholders to ensure compatibility and functionality.
• Identify and assess technical risks associated with space communication architecture development and implementation, developing mitigation strategies to ensure mission success.
• Provide technical support and expertise during mission planning, execution, and post-mission analysis, addressing end-to-end space communication network issues and challenges as needed.
• Support the Lunar Data Network Chief Engineer in the development, specification, and management of technical baselines for IM s Lunar Data Network including the space segment, ground segment, operations segment, and network/information architecture.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate software design, performance, and status to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in space systems, space communications and satellite communications development, with a focus on communications and tracking systems as a commercial service provider to multi-user missions.
• Strong technical background in space communications and satellite communications architecture, networks, and operations.
• Strong experience in developing, implementing, deploying, and operating satellite communications as a commercial service to government, industry, and the private sector.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to effectively lead and motivate cross-functional engineering and business development teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of space mission operations and experience working with government agencies such as NASA or the Department of Defense (DoD) preferred.

US 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.