Principal Astronautical Engineer
Lead astronautical engineering solutions for spacecraft flight dynamics, navigation, guidance, and mission operations. Requires MS degree, 8-20 years experience, expert-level astronautics knowledge, and strong C/C++/Python skills.
About the job
Job Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of astronautical engineering solutions
- Build, develop, and maintain software and systems for space applications
- Ensure the quality and rigor of engineering processes and deliverables
- Drive for 100% test coverage against canonical sources of truth
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve mission objectives
- Contribute to documentation, code reviews, and process improvements
Basic Qualifications
- M.S. in Astronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering with an astronautics emphasis, or a related technical field
- 8 to 20 years of professional experience in astronautical engineering
- Demonstrated ability to develop astronautics applications supporting mission operations, flight dynamics, flight software, and mission/systems engineering
- Experience designing and implementing software for space applications, including:
- Space environment modeling and simulation
- Spacecraft navigation and guidance algorithms
- Spacecraft attitude control systems
- Space mission planning and analysis tools
- Expert-level understanding of astronautical engineering technical and operational aspects:
- Propagation
- Time scale and reference frame transformations
- Coordinate systems and conversions
- Maneuver planning
- Safety of flight analysis and operations
- Orbit determination and state estimation
- Optimal control
- Ability to implement and test numeric methods:
- Numerical integration
- Root finding
- Linear programming
- Non-linear programming
- Strong proficiency in C, C++, and Python
- Proficiency in build systems (CMake), version control (Git), and software development best practices
- Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and software testing methodologies
- Must travel to Irvine, CA or other locations as needed
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Working experience with MATLAB/Simulink, STK/Astrogator, GMAT, Orekit
- Experience developing enterprise-grade astronautics libraries and applications
- Operational experience using astronautics applications to support space missions
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and company stock
- Equity in Turion Space
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with 3% Employer Direct Contribution
- Generous vacation, personal, sick days, and holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development opportunities
- Team building activities
Skills
C, C++, Python, Cmake, Git, MATLAB, Simulink, Stk, Astrogator, Gmat, Orekit, Numerical Integration, Linear Programming, Non-Linear Programming, Orbit Determination
Similar jobs
Embedded Engineering jobs
Shield AI
Dallas, TX
Develop embedded firmware and software architectures for UAV avionics, integrating RTOS platforms, sensors, autonomy systems, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. The role requires staff-level embedded development expertise in C/C++, bare-metal systems, Linux or RTOS bring-up, and a STEM degree.
Nuro
Mountain View, CA
Leads requirements, architecture, integration, performance characterization, and validation for autonomous-vehicle platform systems. Requires systems engineering experience, expertise in robotics and HIL or on-road testing, plus C++, Python, and MATLAB proficiency.
Shield AI
United States
Research and develop guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for high-performance aircraft, including vehicle dynamics modeling and control-system optimization. The role requires a relevant engineering degree, 7+ years of related experience, production C++, MATLAB, Simulink, and eligibility for a SECRET clearance.
Carbon
Sunnyvale, CA
Leads firmware architecture and a technical team developing real-time embedded control systems for smart hardware. The role requires 7+ years of firmware experience, strong C/C++ and Python skills, circuit-level debugging expertise, and technical leadership.
Zoox
Foster City, CA
Develop and integrate embedded Linux software for cellular and wireless connectivity in autonomous vehicles, including modem vendor integration, protocol-stack debugging, telemetry, and performance optimization. Requires 10+ years of embedded wireless experience and strong C/C++ and Linux skills.