GNC Engineer

Turion Space Corp.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Turion Space

Health Insurance

401(k) with 3% Employer Contribution

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development

Job summary

Turion Space in Irvine, CA is seeking a Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to design, develop, and implement GNC algorithms for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations on our Droid.002 satellite platform in Low Earth Orbit. You will work with systems engineering and flight software teams, lead project efforts, and push innovative solutions in a fast‑paced start‑up environment.

Candidates should have strong fundamentals in control theory, orbital mechanics, and programming

Qualifications

• PhD, MS with 1–2 years of experience or BS with 2–4 years in control, orbital mechanics, or related field.
• Proficient in C++, Python, or MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
• Technical competency in GNC: guidance, navigation, controls, modeling & simulation, or testing.
• Familiarity with star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS at a senior level.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to obtain a Secret and/or TS/SCI clearance.
• Proactive, self‑driven and adaptable to a fast‑paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for Rendezvous and Proximity Operation missions.
• Conduct simulations, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and guide on‑orbit testing to validate GNC algorithms and control systems.
• Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to meet mission objectives.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC subsystems.
• Analyze and optimize system performance, including stability, robustness, and response time.
• Support commissioning of satellites on‑orbit and the Droid.002 platform in LEO.
• Drive continuous improvement of GNC processes and share knowledge with the engineering team.
• Stay updated with latest advancements in GNC for small satellite systems.

Skills

GNC engineering

C++

Python

MATLAB

Orbital mechanics

Controls

Sensors: star trackers, GPS

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PhD in engineering

MS in engineering

BS in engineering

Tools

None

Job description

Turion is developing the critical infrastructure of the space economy. We're doing this by building vertically integrated hardware and software: DROID, our line of space vehicles, and Starfire, our software suite covering simulation, modeling, planning, and operations. We're a group of people who fell in love with the future sci‑fi promised us, and we're building it into reality. We build hard things. We build them well. And we're just getting started.

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.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 ΔV 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.

GNC Engineer Salary Range: $100,000 - $135,000 USD

Employees may be asked to support alternate shifts, extended shifts, and/or travel during peak work periods.
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 with a 3% Employer Direct Contribution 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.

• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave following the birth of a newborn or adoption.

• Emotional Wellbeing: A no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your household’s emotional health and wellbeing.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing internal 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.