Staff Ground Software Engineer

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.We are seeking a dedicated Staff Ground Software Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. As a Staff Ground Software Engineer, you will architect, automate, and operate the mission‑critical infrastructure that powers Turion’s spacecraft operations. You will ensure that ground systems are highly available, observable, secure, and scalable, enabling operators to command satellites, process high‑volume downlinks, and respond quickly to on‑orbit events.You’ll work across the full software and infrastructure lifecycle, influencing architectural decisions, developing core platform services, improving reliability, and driving engineering best practices. You will tackle complex distributed‑systems challenges involving:Scale: orchestrating high‑rate telemetry ingestion, processing pipelines, and global operationsReliability: building fault‑tolerant, resilient services for mission‑critical workflowsAutomation: enabling fully automated deployments, testing pipelines, and operational workflowsObservability: delivering deep insight into system performance, failures, and spacecraft behaviorSecurity: safeguarding command paths, data integrity, and operational access controlYou will partner closely with mission operators, flight software engineers, and cross‑functional teams to ensure our ground systems remain robust, maintainable, and operationally efficient as mission complexity grows.This is a full‑time, exempt position based on‑site at our office in Irvine, California.What You’ll BuildMission Control InfrastructureCore components of a scalable, cloud‑native platform for spacecraft operationsAutomated deployment and operational tooling for satellite fleetsReusable infrastructure modules and shared platform capabilitiesObservability, telemetry, and alerting systems for real‑time operationsKey ResponsibilitiesDesign, automate, and operate the infrastructure enabling spacecraft operationsDefine architectural direction for mission‑critical systems, including autonomy, data pipelines, and real‑time processingBuild and maintain CI/CD pipelines, deployment frameworks, and environment‑level automationEstablish and uphold reliability and performance standards across ground systemsLead and participate in on‑call rotations for high‑availability production environmentsPartner with mission operators to turn operational needs into reliable services and toolsDrive engineering excellence through documentation, reviews, and technical mentorshipImprove the accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of satellite operations at scaleMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent experience8+ years of software or infrastructure engineering experience, including ownership of major components or servicesStrong experience with distributed systemsExpertise with cloud‑native and container‑based architecturesDeep Kubernetes experience (design, operation, and tuning)Significant experience operating live, customer‑facing, cloud‑hosted systemsDemonstrated leadership in on‑call for high‑availability environmentsMust be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.Preferred QualificationsProficiency in GoExpertise in multiple cloud stacks (e.g. AWS + Azure)Experience with real‑time data processing or data engineering pipelinesProficiency in database administrationInterest in space systems and mission operationsStaff Ground Software Engineer Salary Range: $175,000 - $225,000 USDEmployees 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 successHealth 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.Compensation Range: $175K - $225KLocationIrvine, CAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentSoftwareCompensation$175K – $225KBase salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks.