Satellite GNC Engineer: Rendezvous & Proximity Ops

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 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