Jr Optical Engineer

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Full Time Greenbelt, MD, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $82,000.00 To $91,000.00 Annually

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.

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Jr Optical Engineer to support the planning, development, and execution of precision metrology and optical test operations for spaceflight optical systems. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, this role will assist in alignment, integration, testing, data analysis, and reporting activities while supporting flight projects and optical system development. This position is in Greenbelt, MD.

• Support the planning, setup, and execution of optical metrology and alignment operations utilizing laser‑based metrology systems and optical instrumentation.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret metrology and alignment data, providing results and recommendations to senior engineers.
• Develop detailed procedures for metrology operations, equipment use, and testing activities.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports documenting metrology operations, test results, and project findings.
• Maintain organized project documentation including data sheets, analysis records, photographs, setup drawings, and test configurations.
• Support the design, integration, alignment, and testing of spaceflight optical systems.
• Maintain accountability for assigned data acquisition systems, computing resources, and metrology equipment.
• Monitor laboratory and facility safety conditions and communicate deficiencies or concerns to management.
• Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, safety reviews, and project presentations.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to optical technicians and junior engineers as needed.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while meeting project schedules, cost objectives, and technical requirements.
• Perform additional duties and project assignments as directed by management.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with optical system design, modeling, integration, alignment, testing, or optical metrology.
• Experience supporting aerospace, spaceflight, or research and development programs.
• Working knowledge of optical instrumentation including theodolites, transits, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, and tilt levels.
• Experience with laser trackers, laser radars, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), interferometers, photogrammetry systems, or similar metrology equipment.
• Familiarity with Spatial Analyzer, CAD software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of laser systems, optical test equipment, and precision alignment techniques.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments and large research or aerospace test facilities is highly desirable.
• Ability to work from ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and in confined spaces when required.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and support hands‑on integration and testing activities.
• Willingness to support overtime, shift work, weekends, holidays, and travel as project needs require.
• Ability to obtain required certifications and complete training including Clean Room Access, Laser Operations Safety, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Awareness, and Cryogenic/Oxygen Deficiency Hazard Safety training.

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.