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Systems & Test

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Turion Space logoTurion Space$125,000–$175,000/yrIrvine, CA, United StatesFull-timePosted today

This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee. It also names a TS/SCI clearance.

About the role

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.

We are looking for a dedicated Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing of the whole spacecraft systems and subsystems. This role involves working on all phases of a satellite’s product lifecycle, from proposal and concept through initial and final design to testing and final operations. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will work to ensure that all the realized system meets the desired function, performance, and reliability of the mission at hand.

Key Responsibilities

  • Push the technical design for critical satellite programs forward
  • Derivation and maintenance of system requirements to ensure mission success
  • Working with internal and external stakeholders to define mission ConOps
  • Development of subsystem budgets
  • Test planning for verification activities
  • Collaboration with the multi-disciplinary experts
  • Tracking of system compliance and overall performance to the desired mission needs
  • Lead teams through technical milestones such as MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and PSR
  • Author Interface Control Documents (ICD)'s and other documentation necessary for the systems engineering process
  • Interact directly with customers and/or suppliers to ensure mission success

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, spacecraft design, or a related field, with hands-on experience in satellite design and integration.
  • Previous experience with the derivation and maintenance of requirements from a system level down to a lower level
  • Ability to create system level budgets (mass, power, dV, pointing, link, etc.) and track the budget throughout the project lifecycle
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and disciplines
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 6+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, Spacecraft design, or a related field, with hands-on experience in satellite design and integration.
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering and applicable software such as Cameo, Capella, Innoslate, or others
  • Experience with satellite analysis tools such as Python, Matlab, STK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer
  • Experience with requirement management tools such as Jama, Doors, Flow, or others
  • Previous experience in a startup work environment
  • Full product lifecycle experience: Initial concept design, preliminary design, manufacturing, testing, and operations

Spacecraft Systems Engineer Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 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.

Copied from the listing Turion Space published, verified 30 Oct 2026.

The application

Your details and CV, then 3 questions.

Have readyCVLinkedIn (optional)GitHub (optional)
  1. 1.
    Are you close to the office or willing to relocate?Pick one: Yes · No, but willing to relocate · No, unwilling to relocate
  2. 2.
    Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Pick one
  3. 3.
    Export ControlsPick one

Taken from the application form Turion Space runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.

About Turion Space

Spacecraft for space domain awareness and in-space services.

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