Senior GNC Engineer

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Design develop and implement advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for cutting-edge Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) missions.

• Conduct simulations perform hardware-in-the-loop testing and guide on-orbit testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.

• Conduct mission analysis trajectory optimization and orbit determination to ensure mission objectives are met.

• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC subsystems with other systems.

• Analyze and optimize system performance including stability robustness and response time.

• Support commissioning of satellites on-orbit and support our Droid.002 platform which is current in Low Earth Orbit.

• 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.

In addition a Senior GNC Engineer will:

• 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.

• Maintain technical ownership over a functional area of the GNC team such as embedded flight code processes.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior GNC engineers within the team.

• Lead technical trade studies for GNC design decisions

• Identify and resolve GNC technical risks

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. MS with 1-2 years of experience or BS with 2-4 years of experience in an engineering discipline with a focus on control systems orbital mechanics or similar field

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ Python or MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation

• Technical competency in at least one major aspect of GNC engineering such as guidance navigation controls modeling & simulation or GNC testing.

• Familiarity with sensors used in satellite guidance and navigation such as star trackers sun sensors and GPS at a senior level

• Proficient communication and teamwork abilities with the capability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams

• Proactive self-motivated and adaptable with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment

• Ability to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance

• Experience and expertise in guidance navigation and control principles and their application to satellite systems

• Technical understanding of all aspects of GNC understanding and expertise in at least one functional area.

• Proven track record in developing and implementing advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for space missions

• Demonstrated experience with modeling and simulation tools for GNC analysis and validation

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of solving complex challenges in GNC engineering

• Demonstrated ability to personally design build and/or test GNC algorithms from the ground up

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 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: investigation of on-orbit anomalies working with mission operations and/or working directly on the ops floor during a mission.

Senior GNC Engineer: $150000 - $213000

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.

What We Do

Turion Space is building the infrastructure to secure and sustain the future of space. Founded to address the growing need for space domain awareness in-space servicing and debris mitigation Turion designs builds and operates spacecraft with real-world operational capability. Our vehicles are built for national security and commercial missions that require speed autonomy and resilience. We believe the next chapter of space operations will be defined by who can act not just observe. That’s why we’re focused on building platforms that move fast adapt in orbit and solve problems ranging from satellite servicing to tactical intelligence gathering. We successfully launched our DROID.001 satellite in June 2023 and DROID.002 in March 2025. DROID.003 is scheduled for launch in 2026.

Why Work With Us

Turion Space is where startup grit meets real space missions. We build and fly spacecraft for defense servicing and domain awareness. No red tape no sidelines just hands-on work that matters.

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