Senior GNC Engineer
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onLeafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States
Turion Space is a dynamic startup based in Irvine, CA, dedicated to advancing satellite capabilities through cutting-edge technology. We are currently operating our Droid.002 platform in Low Earth Orbit and are focused on the next generation of Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) missions. Our mission is to lead the technical strategy for small satellite systems, driving innovation in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) to solve complex challenges in space.
As a Satellite GNC Engineer, you will be instrumental in the design, development, and implementation of critical systems for our satellite missions. You will work closely with our systems engineering and flight software teams to define mission profiles and develop novel algorithms. This role offers the opportunity to lead projects from concept to on-orbit commissioning, ensuring the stability, robustness, and performance of our GNC subsystems.
In this position, you will conduct rigorous simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and guide on-orbit validation to verify our algorithms. You will analyze and optimize system performance while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration. For Senior Engineers, the role expands to include technical ownership of functional areas, leading trade studies, identifying technical risks, and mentoring junior engineers to foster their growth within the team.
We are looking for proactive, self-motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. Candidates will be evaluated on their technical expertise in GNC principles, orbital mechanics, and their ability to design and test algorithms from the ground up. The selection process emphasizes problem-solving skills and a proven track record in space mission development.
This position is based in Irvine, CA. Due to the nature of the technology involved, this role is subject to U.S. export controls (ITAR). Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment where collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual. Employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, without influence from race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
Work model: On-site
Leafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States
Irvine, California
Experience with polarity and performance testing of GNC sensors and actuators. Experience in designing and/or prototyping space systems software. Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience. Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with propulsion systems. Knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and mission analysis. Experience implementing optimization algorithms. Mission operations experience, including investigation of on-orbit anomalies, working with mission operations, or working directly on the ops floor during a mission.
Skills: C++, Python, Matlab, Guidance, Navigation, Controls, Modeling & Simulation, GNC Testing, Star Trackers, Sun Sensors.
Education: Ph.D. in an engineering discipline with focus on control systems or orbital mechanics.
