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Director of Mission Engineering Seen this week

Turion Space · Irvine, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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Director of Mission Engineering

At Turion Space, understanding the mission space turns advanced technology into operational capability. As Director of Mission Engineering, you'll lead modeling and simulation efforts that frame how our systems perform against real mission needs. You'll build mission-specific Design Reference Missions (DRMs), run the system trades that shape our architectures, and demonstrate how Turion's solutions deliver in the contexts that matter to our customers.

This is a highly cross-functional leadership role. You'll work hand-in-hand with engineering functional teams and business development to translate mission needs into rigorous analysis, inform both material and non-material solution architectures, and ensure our technical direction is grounded in a clear-eyed understanding of the mission. Your work will directly shape what Turion builds and how we prove its value.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the mission engineering function at Turion Space, building a high-performing team and establishing processes and tools for rigorous mission analysis.
  • Support customer and stakeholder engagements to understand, analyze, and translate mission needs into actionable engineering requirements.
  • Lead modeling and simulation efforts to characterize and understand the mission space.
  • Lead efforts to define Turion's commercial space offerings.
  • Implement mission-specific Design Reference Missions (DRMs) within simulation environments to frame and evaluate system performance.
  • Support material and non-material solution architecting in response to mission needs and capability gaps.
  • Lead system trade studies to inform architecture, design, and investment decisions.
  • Demonstrate and quantify Turion's system performance in the context of the DRMs.
  • Partner closely with engineering functional teams to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
  • Collaborate with business development to translate customer mission needs into compelling, technically grounded solutions.
  • Build, mentor, and lead the mission engineering function and its team.
  • Communicate mission engineering findings and recommendations to engineering leadership, executives, and customers.

Requirements

  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in mission engineering, systems engineering, or modeling and simulation, including experience in a technical leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing Design Reference Missions (DRMs) and mission-level modeling and simulation.
  • Experience leading system trade studies and supporting solution architecting (material and non-material).
  • Strong understanding of space mission design, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and end-to-end system performance analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across engineering disciplines and with non-engineering stakeholders to drive toward mission objectives.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen (dual citizenship not accepted).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace, astronautical, systems engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Experience supporting business development, capture, or proposal efforts in the aerospace or defense industry.
  • Familiarity with defense capability development processes and non-material solution analysis (e.g., DOTMLPF, JCIDS, capability-based assessments).
  • Experience with space domain awareness (SDA), space situational awareness (SSA), or related mission areas.
  • Experience building and leading high-performing engineering teams.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-time employees receive:

  • Competitive base salary and company stock, determined by job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand
  • Equity in Turion Space
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan with 3% Employer Direct Contribution
  • Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • No-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional development opportunities including training, workshops, and courses
  • Team building activities and company-sponsored events

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

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