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Staff Mission Operations Engineer Verified today

Turion Space · Irvine, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-10-20
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Turion Space is building the critical infrastructure of the space economy through vertically integrated hardware and software: DROID, a line of space vehicles, and Starfire, a software suite for simulation, modeling, planning, and operations.

The Role

You will serve as the senior operational integrator between engineering and flight teams, leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle with a particular emphasis on GEO Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). You will own operational constraints, procedures, risk mitigations, and readiness activities aligned with mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as principal subject-matter expert in mission operations, leading tactical execution including command sequencing, real-time decision making, and anomaly response during testing, rehearsals, and on-call operations.
  • Lead operational development and execution of GEO RPO/RPOD missions, including proximity operations processes, abort and safing FDIR strategies, and constraints governing close-proximity decision making.
  • Lead cross-team coordination with systems engineering, GNC, software, and ground teams to influence spacecraft and ground system design for operability.
  • Define, evaluate, document, and validate operational constraints across mission phases; drive updates when requirements, risks, or design changes dictate.
  • Establish standards for operational procedures, flight rules, and operator workflows; lead their development, improvement, and validation.
  • Lead mission risk assessments by identifying operational risks and gaps, proposing mitigations, and ensuring operational considerations influence design decisions.
  • Drive mission readiness by identifying preparation risks early, closing operational gaps, validating tools and processes, and ensuring teams are prepared for rehearsals and flight.
  • Mentor Senior and Mission Operations Engineers; lead development of operator training, certification, and onboarding materials.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years experience in mission operations, spacecraft operations engineering, or related aerospace operations roles.
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Prior GEO operational experience, RPO/RPOD experience, and/or mission planning experience.
  • Expert-level understanding of mission operations concepts including constraints, procedures, ground systems, anomalies, and test-to-flight workflows.
  • Experience owning and developing operational processes, procedures, flight rules, and constraints.
  • Experience leading operational activities, rehearsals, and real-time operations across multiple mission phases.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership, including leading operational projects to completion and mentoring engineers.
  • Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills with ability to build alignment between engineering and operations teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and solve complex technical and operational issues with little oversight.
  • Must be a US citizen with ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 6+ years experience in mission operations, spacecraft operations engineering, or related aerospace operations roles.
  • Experience across the full lifecycle of a space mission (design, integration, testing, rehearsals, commissioning, operations).
  • Experience establishing operational approaches for a new vehicle, new mission type, or first-of-kind operation.
  • Working proficiency with mission risk frameworks (hazards, FMEA, fault trees) and readiness assessments.
  • Scripting experience (Python, Ruby) for operations automation, analysis, or workflow improvements.
  • Enthusiasm for working on small, fast-paced teams in rapidly evolving mission environments.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $175,000 - $225,000 USD

Full-time employees receive equity in Turion Space, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) plan with 3% employer direct contribution, paid vacation and sick days, paid parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, professional development opportunities, and team building activities.

Employees may be asked to support alternate shifts, extended shifts, and/or travel during peak work periods.

ITAR and Employment

This position may include access to technology and software subject to U.S. export controls. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.