engineer

GNC Engineer full_time

Turion Space is seeking a talented and experienced 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 small satellite missions. You will work closely with the mission design and flight software team to create the mission profiles and algorithms. You will have the opportunity to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the overall technical strategy of our satellite programs. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for small satellite missions.
  • Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to ensure mission objectives are met.
  • Participate in the integration of guidance and navigation sensors, including star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS receivers, into the satellite platform.
  • Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC systems with other subsystems.
  • Analyze and optimize system performance, including stability, robustness, and response time, while providing expert guidance to the team.
  • Conduct simulations and testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making regarding technical direction and future advancements in GNC for satellite missions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent 
  • 2+ years experience, in an engineering discipline with a focus on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar field.
  • Experience in guidance, navigation, and control principles and their application to satellite systems.
  • Proven track record in developing and implementing advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for space missions.
  • Strong development experience in C/C++ and/or Python.
  • Experience optimizing and validating spacecraft control algorithms.
  • Working knowledge of attitude determination filtering techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test software from ground zero.
  • Experience developing 6 degrees of freedom vehicle simulations or flight software.
  • Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment.
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction 
  • Be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Software testing and verification experience (unit testing and performance verification) 
  • Experience designing and/or prototyping space systems software 
  • Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience 
  • Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) 
  • Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with ΔV propulsion systems 
  • Experience implementing optimization algorithms 
  • Mission operations experience 
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

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal 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.
  • Diverse and Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to support a welcoming and equitable work environment.
 
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. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department. 

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