---
title: 'Senior Propulsion Engineer, Cryogenic & Chemical Systems at Turion Space'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-propulsion-engineer-cryogenic-chemical-systems-turion-space-irvine-tt5xcjpnapx5'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Senior Propulsion Engineer, Cryogenic & Chemical Systems at Turion Space

- **Company:** Turion Space
- **Location:** Irvine, CA
- **Compensation:** $150k–$200k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-10-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/turion-space/5640f6d1-05df-49ee-bf7d-017d62792a92

## 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. As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, Cryogenic & Chemical Systems, you will assist the team in the system design, development, integration, testing, and analysis of satellite propulsion systems, with a focus on cryogenic and chemical systems. This role places special emphasis on the ability to produce designs of propulsion systems based on high-level mission requirements, as well as the experience to drive execution from subsystem selection (thruster, propellant management, ground support equipment, etc) all the way to the launch pad. Experience with owning or working on large scale cryogenic propellant vehicles is a plus. Key responsibilities:

- System-Minded: Have broad (and deep) understanding of cryogenic and chemical propulsion systems for 100-1000+ kg class satellites and/or 10000+ kg space vehicles.
- Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems into spacecraft and satellite platforms. Ensure compatibility with other systems and components.
- Testing and Validation: Develop and execute test plans for propulsion systems. Conduct performance and reliability testing to validate system functionality and compliance with specifications.
- Analysis and Optimization: Perform detailed analysis of propulsion system performance. Identify areas for improvement and implement optimization strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and technical manuals. Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with company standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 4+ years of experience in relevant propulsion engineering work, with significant experience in designing and developing propulsion systems for aerospace or space technology sectors.
- Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of liquid propulsion system design thrusters, and propellant systems. Proficiency (at least in read-access) with engineering tools and software for design and simulation (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS).
- Project Management: Experience managing complex engineering projects, including defining scope, timelines, and resources. Ability to ensure projects meet quality and performance standards.
- Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Education: Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 7+ years of experience in propulsion engineering, with extensive experience in the aerospace or space technology sectors. Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems is a plus.
- Advanced Skills: Expertise in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration. Familiarity with cutting-edge testing and validation techniques.
- Certifications: Relevant certifications in propulsion engineering or project management (e.g., PMP) are a plus.
- Industry Experience: Extensive experience working in aerospace or space technology sectors, including understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with propulsion systems for space missions.
- Innovation: Proven track record of driving innovation in propulsion system design and implementation, contributing to the development of next-generation space technologies.

Senior Propulsion Engineer Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 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
- [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
- [GNC Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/gnc-engineer-turion-space-irvine-8fq865s62jf4) — 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