Mechanisms Engineer, Mid Level - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

Mechanisms Engineer, Mid Level - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

Join Intuitive Machines as a Mechanisms Engineer on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle team in Glen Burnie, MD. This full‑time role focuses on designing, building, and testing space flight mechanisms and ground support systems for lunar missions.

The engineer works in a cross‑functional team on motor‑driven actuators, payload deployers, antenna deployment, gimbal systems, launch hold‑down, optical adjustment mechanisms, robotic manipulators, and fluid couplings for cryogenic and rocket propellant systems. The role includes concept development, design, fabrication, verification, and integration with structures, thermal, avionics, and software teams.

• Lead design, layout, and analysis of space and robotic mechanisms
• Develop performance specifications for stepper and BLDC actuators, lead procurement, and oversee testing/characterization
• Perform mechanism analyses including bearing and gear calculations, force and torque margins, lubricant life analysis, and rigid and flexible body dynamic simulations
• Generate and review CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings in Creo, maintaining data in Windchill
• Oversee fabrication builds (internal and external) and coordinate with machinists and additive manufacturing partners
• Define and execute verification tests, including actuator performance, geartrain life, and seal leakage
• Work with procurement to evaluate and manage machine shops and secondary vendors
• Interface with cross‑disciplinary teams to integrate mechanisms into the vehicle
• Mentor entry‑level engineers on design best practices and engineering processes

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; M.S. preferred
• 5–10 years of mechanical/electromechanical design and test experience
• Proficiency with Creo and Windchill
• Proficiency with ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Familiarity with performance requirements development for mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience with bearings, seals, gears, or actuators in aerospace, robotics, or automotive systems
• Strong hands‑on fabrication and prototyping skills

• Background in space mechanisms or extreme‑environment robotics
• Familiarity with procurement/vendor management for aerospace hardware
• Experience with the generation of work orders, assembly procedures, and test plans for mechanisms functional, vibration, thermal vacuum, and life testing
• Familiarity with standard practices for assembly and environmental testing of space flight mechanisms and the tooling and ground support equipment associated with these tests
• Familiarity with spaceflight mechanisms topics including motors, bearings, lubricants, geared systems, release mechanisms, robotic systems, and integration of electrical components such as wire harnesses into these systems
• Familiarity with commonly used space and commercial specifications for materials, processes, fasteners, mechanical components, connectors, wiring, etc.
• Familiarity with common space industry additive and conventional metallic and composite manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with motion simulation software and finite element analysis tools
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with electrical/software teams
• Exposure to NASA/DoD materials and process standards

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.