Comm Software Lead Engineer
Intuitive Machines
Houston, TX · Posted September 2, 2026
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About the job
Comm Software Lead Engineer
Houston, TX
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:
Intuitive Machines is seeking an experienced Software Quality and Test Lead to drive quality assurance and verification strategies for flight-critical and mission-critical software systems. This role combines technical leadership, process ownership, and hands-on testing to ensure our software meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance.
Responsibilities:
Lead Comm Software Development: Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of comm software systems for our fleet
Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership and guidance to the comm software engineering team, ensuring adherence to best practices, standards, and industry regulations.
Team Leadership: Complete performance reviews, provide feedback to team members throughout the year, and work with team members to define future career goals.
Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and define software requirements, considering missionobjectives, system architecture, and performance constraints.
Code Development: Oversee the coding and implementation of comm software,utilizinglanguages such as C/C++, Python, and embedded software development tools.
Verification & Validation:Establishprocedures and methodologies for software verification and validation, including simulation, testing, and debugging activities.
Risk Management:Identifypotential risks and challenges associated with comm software development and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
Documentation: Prepare andmaintaincomprehensive documentation, including software requirements specifications, design documents, interface documents. test plans, and technical reports.
Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, promoting knowledge sharing, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Workload Management:Participatein bi-weekly software sprint planning with the software project manager and manage resources across multiple projects.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering, or related field;Master’sdegree preferred.
Minimum 7 years of experience in aerospace and space vehicle software development, with a focus on comm software.
Proventrack recordof leading software development projects from concept to delivery.
Strongproficiencyin programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and experience with embedded software development.
Experience with RF Comm and Data Protocols (CCSDS, TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command), AOS, TC/TM)
Experience with Software Defined Radios
Experience with Encryption
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), software/hardware integration, and avionics systems is highly desirable.
Experience with I/O protocols (i.e.RS-232, RS-422,SpaceWire,Canbus, TCP/UDP)
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing technical challenges.
Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Join Our Team: If you are passionate about space exploration and eager to make meaningful contributions to the future of aerospace technology, we invite you to join us at Intuitive Machines. As a Software Quality and Test Lead Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Take the next step in your career and be part of our journey to the stars.
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.