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Full Time

 • 

Houston, TX

Planetary Scientist

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Interlune is a space resources company headquartered 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 technical 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 a planetary scientist to join our science team and contribute to the development of novel lunar simulants. This position is full time in our Houston, TX facility.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead regolith simulant selection, procurement, and development across all Interlune programs
  • Support development of a helium implantation system for simulant by selecting feedstock simulant, conducting measurements to determine performance, and developing a quality control plan
  • Select, commission, and maintain scientific instrumentation, equipment, and supplies
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local academic, government, and non-profit research organizations related to planetary science
  • Support simulant customer meetings and projects as needed
  • Support business development efforts including proposal writing

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Geology, Physics, or a related field
  • Hands-on laboratory and/or spacecraft hardware experience
  • Expertise in using laboratory instrumentation to study geological materials and/or astromaterials using techniques such as but not limited to SEM, TEM, XRD, and mass spectrometry
  • Experience selecting and handling regolith simulant
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Willingness to learn on the job

Nice-to-Have Qualifications & Skills:

  • 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience
  • Research experience in lunar science
  • Experience creating custom simulants
  • Experience in accessing, processing, and analyzing planetary mission data
  • Experience collaborating with engineers in a project setting

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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 range:

Compensation for this position ranges from $120,000 - $170,000.  

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

Benefits:

Benefits include: 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.