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Principal Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer

Turion Space

Turion Space

Design
Irvine, CA, USA
USD 175k-250k / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 9, 2025

Location

Irvine, CA

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Mechanical, Production, and Quality Engineering

Compensation

  • $175K – $250K

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks.

At Turion Space, we’re building spacecraft to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it. As a Principal Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer, you will conceive, design, and implement new complex electromechanical spacecraft mechanisms.

This is a unique role that will rely on your creativity, experience, and ambition to create critical hardware as the missions increase in complexity. You’ll brainstorm concepts and solutions and generate detailed specifications & drawings and analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify performance.

This is a full-time, exempt position based at our Irvine, California headquarters.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and Development: Conceive, develop and design precision electromechanical systems for the extreme conditions encountered in space environments. Ensure designs meet mission requirements and industry standards.

  • Leadership: Provide ongoing training and mentorship to junior engineers.

  • Integration: Work with engineering teams to integrate mechanical systems into spacecraft and satellite platforms. Ensure compatibility with electrical, thermal, and software systems.

  • Testing and Validation: Create and execute test plans for mechanical systems. Perform performance and reliability testing to validate system functionality and compliance with specifications.

  • Problem-Solving: Address and resolve technical issues related to mechanical systems. Troubleshoot problems and implement corrective actions as needed.

  • Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and technical manuals. Ensure all documentation meets company and industry standards.

  • Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software engineers, and mission planners, to address and resolve integration and performance issues.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

  • 15+ years of experience in Mechanical Engineering, with experience in designing and developing high precision electromechanical systems for extreme environments.

  • Knowledge of mechanical system design, structural analysis, kinematics, dynamics, electric motors, actuators, and controls.

  • Proficiency with engineering tools and software for design and simulation (e.g., SolidWorks).

  • Experience with 3D CAD, 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and collaborate with team members.

  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.


Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

  • 15+ years of experience in precision machine design.

  • Experience with spacecraft and satellite systems, including an in-depth understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with mechanical systems for space missions.

  • Expertise in mechanical systems design and integration techniques as applied to motors, electronic components, bearings, gears, power screws, springs, clutches, brakes, materials, lubrication, and coating selection.

  • Familiarity with high-stress materials, thermal control systems, and space-qualified components.

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to innovative mechanical system designs and improvements.

  • Advanced, hands-on skills with machine tools and various fabrication techniques.

    Principal Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer/Principal Mechanical Engineer Salary: $175,000 - $250,000 USD

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:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:​

  • Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents. ​

  • Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future. ​

  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick 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. ​

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.

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.

Compensation Range: $175K - $250K