Turion Space is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will play a key leadership role in the design, development, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for our small satellite missions. You will work closely with the mission design and flight software team to create the mission profiles and algorithms. You will have the opportunity to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the overall technical strategy of our satellite programs.

Department: Space Mobility R&D
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Irvine, California
Workplace type: Onsite
Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 / year
Reporting To: Deepak Grover

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for small satellite missions.
Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to ensure mission objectives are met.
Oversee the integration of guidance and navigation sensors, including star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS receivers, into the satellite platform.
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC systems with other subsystems.
Analyze and optimize system performance, including stability, robustness, and response time, while providing expert guidance to the team.
Conduct simulations and testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.
Drive the continuous improvement of GNC processes, methodologies, and best practices, and share knowledge with the engineering team.
Stay updated with the latest advancements and research in GNC engineering for small satellite systems and provide thought leadership to the team.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering their growth and development in GNC engineering.
Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making regarding technical direction and future advancements in GNC for satellite missions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) and 3+ years of experience, BS + 5 years experience, in an engineering discipline with a focus on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar field
Extensive experience and expertise in guidance, navigation, and control principles and their application to satellite systems.
Proven track record in developing and implementing advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for space missions.
Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Python for algorithm development and simulation at an advanced level.
Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and mission analysis, with the ability to guide and mentor others in these areas.
Strong familiarity with sensors used in satellite guidance and navigation, such as star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS, at a senior level.
Demonstrated experience with modeling and simulation tools for GNC analysis and validation at an advanced level.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of solving complex challenges in GNC engineering.
Exceptional communication and teamwork abilities, with the capability to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment.
Previous experience in a senior-level or leadership role in GNC engineering is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test software from ground zero.
Be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Software testing and verification experience (unit testing and performance verification)
Experience designing and/or prototyping space systems software
Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience
Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)
Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with ΔV propulsion systems
Experience implementing optimization algorithms
Mission operations experience

ITAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Benefits

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan.
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.
Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.
Diverse and Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to support a welcoming and equitable work environment.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department.

About Turion Space

Turion Space was founded with the vision of propelling humanity toward an interplanetary future. To realize this vision, we are developing cutting-edge spacecraft focused on space transport, orbital debris removal, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to ensure ongoing value creation. Our mission centers on advancing spacecraft for low-earth orbit (LEO) and enhancing SDA, which are essential for both current space operations and future interplanetary exploration. By prioritizing high delta-V per dollar, we aim to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness in space transportation. We successfully launched our DROID.001 satellite in June 2023, with DROID.002 and DROID.003 scheduled for 2025.

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