# Principal Astronautical Engineer

**Company:** [Turion Space](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/turion-space)
**Location:** Irvine, CA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $150k – $270k/yr
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** C, C++, Python, Cmake, Git, MATLAB, Simulink, Stk, Astrogator, Gmat, Orekit, Numerical Integration, Linear Programming, Non-Linear Programming, Orbit Determination
**Posted:** 2026-06-23

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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

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