Job Description

Thermal Analysis Engineer


Houston Texas


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.


About the Position:


We are seeking a Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our Commercial Division. In this role, you will play a key part in developing, analyzing, and validating thermal control systems for lunar landers, spacecraft, and supporting hardware.


This role will have specific emphasis on nuclear power programs related to FSP (Fission Surface Power), Radioisotope Power Systems, etc. for lunar surface operations and deep space missions.


Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft and aerospace systems using tools such as Thermal Desktop.
• Analyze and predict thermal behavior of components and systems across various mission phases.
• Develop and refine thermal models for spacecraft components, subsystems, and entire vehicles under varied space environments.
• Design and optimize thermal control systems (e.g., radiators, heat pipes, insulation) to meet mission-specific requirements.
• Plan and execute thermal testing campaigns (e.g., TVAC), analyze results, and correlate test data with thermal models.
• Collaborate with design, systems, and test engineering teams to integrate thermal strategies throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.
• Generate thermal documentation, including analysis reports, specifications, and test plans for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in aerospace thermal control and contribute to process improvements.

General Requirements:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in aerospace thermal analysis; experience with Thermal Desktop or similar tools preferred.

• Proven experience in active thermal control and fluid analysis, or demonstrated support of nuclear space power systems (e.g., fission or radioisotope-based missions).
• Proficient in thermal modeling, simulation, and application of heat transfer principles.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards for thermal control systems and space environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse teams.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute to multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting project priorities and deadlines.

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.

Job Tags

Flexible hours,

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