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Principal Astronautical Engineer

150k – 270kIrvine, CAEmbedded EngineeringOnsite8+ YOE
Summary

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 role

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
CC++PythonCMakeGitMATLABSimulinkSTKAstrogatorGMATOrekitNumerical IntegrationLinear ProgrammingNon-linear ProgrammingOrbit Determination
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