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Contract Lunar Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Hardware Design Engineer

Newport News, VA

Knowledge of Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS) systems and their ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA. Pay and Benefits ...

New

Agile Space Industries, Inc.

Contracts Manager

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$99K - $150K/yr

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability ... Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource ...

Leidos

RF Communications Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Following NASA's award of the High Achievability Lunar Terrain Vehicle (HALTV) program contract to ... Candidates will work in a team environment to support design through product implementation and ...

Leidos

RF Communications Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Following NASA's award of the High Achievability Lunar Terrain Vehicle (HALTV) program contract to ... Candidates will work in a team environment to support design through product implementation and ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

Leidos

RF Communications Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Following NASA's award of the High Achievability Lunar Terrain Vehicle (HALTV) program contract to ... Candidates will work in a team environment to support design through product implementation and ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Lunar Design Jobs

Contract Lunar Design information

See salary details

$75.5K

$128.3K

$188K

How much do contract lunar design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract lunar design in the United States is $128,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract lunar designers when working with multidisciplinary teams on space missions?

Contract lunar designers often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and mission planners, which can present challenges in aligning design concepts with technical requirements and mission objectives. Communication is key, as design choices must meet strict safety, material, and regulatory standards unique to lunar environments. Balancing creative innovation with the pragmatic constraints of space missions can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities to develop unique solutions and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Staying adaptable and open to feedback is essential for success in this dynamic and collaborative role.

What is a Contract Lunar Designer?

A Contract Lunar Designer is a professional who creates and develops designs for projects related to lunar exploration or habitation, typically on a contract or freelance basis. Their work may involve designing habitats, vehicles, equipment, or mission layouts intended for use on the Moon. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and space agencies to ensure that their designs are feasible, safe, and meet specific mission requirements. Contract Lunar Designers need a strong background in engineering, architecture, or industrial design, along with specialized knowledge of space environments. This role is critical in advancing lunar missions and ensuring the success of future human and robotic activities on the Moon.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, planetary science, and architectural design, often supported by a relevant engineering or architecture degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and simulation platforms, as well as knowledge of lunar environment standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing safe, innovative, and feasible solutions for lunar habitats and infrastructure in challenging extraterrestrial environments.

What is the difference between Contract Lunar Design vs Contract Spacecraft Design?

AspectContract Lunar DesignContract Spacecraft Design
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in lunar environmentsEngineering degree, specialized in spacecraft systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning for lunar surface conditions, collaboration with lunar missionsDesigning for spaceflight, collaboration with satellite and spacecraft projects
Industry UsageSpace agencies, lunar exploration companiesSpace agencies, satellite and space vehicle manufacturers
Common Search IntentComparing roles in lunar missionsComparing roles in spacecraft development

Contract Lunar Design focuses on creating systems and components suitable for lunar surface conditions, often involving specialized knowledge of lunar geology and environment. Contract Spacecraft Design covers a broader range of space vehicles, including satellites and deep-space probes. While both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the space industry, their specific focus areas differ, making each role unique in its application and expertise.

More about Contract Lunar Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Lunar Design jobs? Cities with the most Contract Lunar Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lunar Design jobs? The most popular types of Lunar Design jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Lunar Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Lunar Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Lunar Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Lunar Design jobs are:
Contract Lunar Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Lunar Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,257 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Project Engineer - Lunar Tools

Project Engineer - Lunar Tools

Mclaurin Aerospace

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer - Lunar Tools to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

If selected you will:

  • Developing project documentation and maintaining status of drawings, procurements, risks. Etc.
  • Working with design team and analyst to ensure project requirements are achieved.
  • Inspection of hardware upon receipt to verify match with fabrication drawing/models
  • Test rig and equipment buildup as needed
  • Data analysis of test results
  • Assist project management with configuration control of project documentation
  • Development of test procedures including working with various organizations across JSC for flight certification of hardware.
  • Working with the JSC community to develop integrated operation con-ops
  • Develop presentations.
  • Work in a team environment and report to the team lead to provide status on progress and issues and for support.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
  • Experience with the development of requirements documents including functional requirements and verification success criteria.
  • Experience with the design, assembly, verification, testing, and operation of space hardware systems
  • Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the space hardware field, such as mechanical and electrical system design, engineering drawings and sketches, material selection, and design software and tools
  • Ability to prepare written documents and to verbally present at various meetings
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in designing and building EVA related unique hardware
  • Previous testing experience
  • Knowledge/use of CAD modeling software
  • Familiarity with machine shop techniques and processing hardware through the manufacturing process.
  • Ability to perform hands on test buildup, data processing, and documentation including test plans and reports
  • Experience with NASA flight hardware certification process highly desired.
  • Familiar with Johnson Space Center (JSC) organizations, processes, and procedures
  • Ability to work independently

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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