Test Engineer

Interlune is a space resources company based in Seattle, WA. We will provide resources from space to power a clean and sustainable economy on Earth and in space.

We are looking for a Doer who wants to join our early-stage team and accelerate humanity’s progress toward an off-world future. Our engineering team combines expert knowledge of geological sciences, mechanical engineering, automation, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced fabrication to build the infrastructure that will create an in-space economy. To join our small team, you must be agile, willing to learn, and able to take on multiple roles as needed.

We are looking for an Engineer to join our simulant production team in Houston, Texas. As a Test Engineer at Interlune, you will be at the forefront of developing novel technology for in-situ resource utilization. You will have the unique opportunity to design, build, and operate devices capable of producing novel lunar regolith simulants. Your primary mission will be to use this device to implant key volatiles into lunar regolith simulants, a critical step in understanding and unlocking the resources of the Moon. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is passionate about space technology and eager to solve challenges at the intersection of plasma physics, high voltage electronics, vacuum engineering, and materials science. This position is full time in our Houston, TX facility.

Applicants from all industries are welcome, with particular emphasis in complex, multi-disciplinary system development. Familiarity with and prior experience in the space, agriculture, construction, or mining industry are valuable but not required.

Responsibilities:

Lead the design, fabrication, and commissioning of devices capable of producing novel lunar regolith simulants. Design, build, and operate the device.
Develop comprehensive test plans to characterize the performance of the plasma device and quantify the implantation of volatiles into the simulant.
Analyze experimental data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings to the engineering team to guide process development.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues related to plasma generation, vacuum integrity, and system instrumentation.
Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to advance our understanding of lunar resource extraction.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
2+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory or R&D environment working with high voltage systems, including high voltage power supplies, grounding, insulation, isolation, harnessing, and physical layer control of test equipment.
2+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory or R&D environment designing, building and working with vacuum or pressurized gas systems and plasma sources, including component selection (regulators, relief valves, tubing), P&ID development, leak detection, gas handling systems, and diagnostic equipment
Demonstrated ability to design, build, and operate experimental hardware.
Experience with data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW, Python).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field.
Experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of electric propulsion or plasma physics devices.
Expertise in a variety of plasma diagnostics, such as Langmuir probes, Faraday probes, and retarding potential analyzers.
Experience working with hydrogen.
Experience with high voltages in excess of 1kV.
Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for vacuum system design and testing.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Interlune must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Interlune is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on creating our off-world future. Interlune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Don’t meet every requirement? If you’re excited about this role but you don’t meet all of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply and explain why the experiences you do have are a suitable substitute. We’d hate to miss out on the perfect candidate for this or other roles.

Compensation Target Levels:

Level 2 Range: $96,700 - $145,100

Level 3 Range: $120,900 - $181,300

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability, 401k and other benefits

Paid Time Off: Flexible PTO policy with paid company holidays.

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