---
title: 'GNC Engineer at Turion Space'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/gnc-engineer-turion-space-irvine-8fq865s62jf4'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# GNC Engineer at Turion Space

- **Company:** Turion Space
- **Location:** Irvine, CA
- **Compensation:** $125k–$175k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-10-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/turion-space/93a768c0-8a1d-4158-bb9b-3631dbda5c47

## Job description

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. Turion Space is seeking a talented 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 satellite missions. You will work closely with the systems engineering and flight software team to design and implement mission profiles and algorithms. You will have the opportunity to lead projects, develop novel algorithms, and contribute to the overall technical strategy of our satellite programs.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design, develop, and implement advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for cutting-edge Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) missions.
- Conduct simulations, perform hardware-in-the-loop testing, and guide on-orbit testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.
- Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to ensure mission objectives are met.
- Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC subsystems with other systems.
- Analyze and optimize system performance, including stability, robustness, and response time.
- Support commissioning of satellites on-orbit, and support our Droid.002 platform which is current in Low Earth Orbit.
- Drive the continuous improvement of GNC processes, methodologies, and best practices, and share knowledge with the engineering team.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements and research in GNC engineering for small satellite systems.

## Minimum Qualifications

- Ph.D., MS with 1-2 years of experience, or BS with 2-4 years of experience, in an engineering discipline with a focus on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar field
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation
- Technical competency in at least one major aspect of GNC engineering, such as guidance, navigation, controls, modeling & simulation, or GNC testing.
- Familiarity with sensors used in satellite guidance and navigation, such as star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS, at a senior level
- Proficient communication and teamwork abilities, with the capability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment
- Ability to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with polarity and performance testing of GNC sensors and actuators
- Experience in designing and/or prototyping space systems software
- Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience
- Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
- Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with ΔV propulsion systems
- Knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and mission analysis
- Experience implementing optimization algorithms
- Mission operations experience: investigation of on-orbit anomalies, working with mission operations and/or working directly on the ops floor during a mission.

GNC 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.

## About Turion Space

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Turion Space builds critical space infrastructure—an integrated platform of software, spacecraft, payloads, and mission command & control to enable space logistics, tactical space operations, and space domain awareness.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed, $112M+ total raised)
- **Headquarters**: Irvine, California, USA (also has an office in Washington, DC)
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Space infrastructure, space logistics, defense, space domain awareness, orbital servicing
- **Target customers**: Government and defense agencies (US Space Force, NASA, NRO, DARPA) and likely commercial satellite operators
- **Mission statement**: “For all of human history, space was the destination. Now it becomes the foundation. Turion builds critical space infrastructure: the systems that turn humanity’s dream of colonizing space into a reality.”

## Products & Services
Turion operates three core missions supported by an integrated platform:

- **Mission Software (Starfire core: PRISM & TMPL)**: End-to-end mission planning software that consolidates modeling & simulation, ground and flight software into a unified command & control platform. Already tested and in active use on orbit.
- **Payloads (Farsight, Beholder, Spectre)**: Self-developed, industry-leading imagery and sensing payloads for space domain awareness and reconnaissance.
- **Space Vehicles**: Maneuverable spacecraft proven in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), deploying soon to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), designed for long-duration missions including orbital transport, refueling, and servicing.
- **Space Logistics**: Orbital transport, refueling, and servicing capabilities to make long-duration space operations sustainable and economically viable.
- **Tactical Space**: Highly maneuverable space missions, including rendezvous and proximity operations for objects across orbits, supporting space domain awareness and defensive operations.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly available
- **Key Metric – Total Funding**: $112M+ raised (seed round noted on website)
- **Key Growth Signal**: 276% year-over-year growth
- **Key Operational Metrics**: 200+ team members, 30+ government contracts, 29 months on orbit, 72k+ images captured, 21,256 (likely number of objects tracked or orbits logged)
- **Notable Customers/Partners**: US Space Force (USSF), NASA, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), DARPA
- **Recent Milestones**: AUGUSTA contract awarded (2024–2025 timeline); Acquisition of Tychee Research Group (date not specified)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Integrated platform**: Software, spacecraft, payloads, and command & control designed and built as a cohesive system—drives reliability and mission success.
- **Proven in orbit**: Hardware already demonstrated in LEO with successful missions; expanding to GEO.
- **Deep government relationships**: 30+ government contracts with top-tier defense and space agencies.
- **Rapid growth**: 276% YoY growth signals strong product-market fit and scaling capability.
- **Maneuverability & logistics focus**: Differentiating capabilities in orbital transport, refueling, and servicing that most competitors are still developing.

## Strategic Focus
- Continue scaling hardware and software for orbital logistics and tactical space operations.
- Expand from LEO to GEO and beyond.
- Deepen partnerships with defense and intelligence agencies (USSF, NRO, DARPA).
- Grow the team rapidly (hiring across propulsion, avionics, GNC, software, and operations) to support increasing government contracts and commercial opportunities.

## Why Work Here
- **High-impact mission**: Directly contribute to building space infrastructure that enables human colonization of space.
- **Fast-growing startup**: 200+ employees with 276% YoY growth – a rapidly scaling environment.
- **Location**: Irvine, CA (HQ) and Washington, DC office. Likely hybrid/office presence (not specified but typical for defense space companies).
- **Engineering culture**: Hiring for propulsion, avionics, GNC, software, operations – deep technical challenges.
- **Veterans welcome**: Explicitly states “Veterans welcome” on careers page.
- **Diverse contract portfolio**: Work on projects for USSF, NASA, NRO, DARPA.
- **Perks**: Not detailed on the site, but typical of well-funded space startups (equity, competitive salary, meaningful roles).

## Sources
1. [turionspace.com](https://www.turionspace.com/) – Company overview, products, metrics, about page
2. [turionspace.com/careers](https://www.turionspace.com/careers) – Careers page
3. [linkedin.com/company/turion-space](https://www.linkedin.com/company/turion-space) – LinkedIn company profile
4. [tracxn.com](https://tracxn.com/d/companies/turionspace/__sGL_i7ZEjj-LWAjAObXwRaMIrfxPaEgL_JkGz9luChM) – Tracxn company profile (2026)

## Other roles at Turion Space

- [Spacecraft Integration Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/spacecraft-integration-engineer-turion-space-irvine-87k610jz08mz) — Irvine, CA
- [Systems Engineer, Payload Electronics & Integration](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-payload-electronics-integration-turion-space-irvine-d8gyh1dryzfg) — Irvine, CA
- [Mechanical Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-ii-turion-space-irvine-5g901h0f0dwy) — Irvine, CA
- [Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-turion-space-irvine-36yv647zc5y3) — Irvine, CA
- [Senior Propulsion Engineer, Cryogenic & Chemical Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-propulsion-engineer-cryogenic-chemical-systems-turion-space-irvine-tt5xcjpnapx5) — Irvine, CA
- [Spacecraft Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/spacecraft-systems-engineer-turion-space-irvine-7sedj6gtv3j0) — Irvine, CA
- [Vice President, Space Logistics](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-space-logistics-turion-space-irvine-qgknt6ed56ra) — Irvine, CA
- [Staff Ground Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-ground-software-engineer-turion-space-irvine-5k75xbpw4x9y) — Irvine, CA
- [Mission Architect, Tactical Space](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-architect-tactical-space-turion-space-ca-77v959157j38) — CA
- [Senior Mission Operations Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mission-operations-engineer-turion-space-irvine-fbwgmfs9evk0) — Irvine, CA