Program Director

At Turion Space, we’re on a mission to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it. We’re developing spacecraft for national security, in-space servicing, and orbital debris removal. As we prepare for upcoming launches and expand our portfolio of government and commercial programs, we’re looking for a Program Director to drive execution across program portfolios and ensure successful deliveries from concept through launch.This role is based at our Irvine, California headquarters.As a Program Director at Turion, you’ll be responsible for leading a portfolio of programs across their entire lifecycle from proposal, contract negotiations, execution, delivery, and closeout. You’ll work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), mission operations, and leadership to manage scope, schedule, budget, and customer communications. A successful candidate will bring experience working with U.S. Government agencies (e.g., DoW, Space Force, NASA) and leading integrated teams. Specifically, this role is targeted in candidates with experience leading complex space programs in the GEO Space Domain Awareness (SpDA) industry and conducting Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO).Key Responsibilities:Lead planning, execution, and delivery for a portfolio of spacecraft missions operating in LEO, MEO, GEO, or other orbital regimes against the cost, schedule, and technical baselinesServe as the primary interface with government customers, cultivating relationships and representing Turion in all program-related matterBuild and manage program teams and external supplier relationships to meet contractual and technical requirementsDevelop program execution strategies, master schedules, and detailed program plans, coordinating across all internal functionsMonitor and report program performance metrics, financials, risks, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholdersSupport proposal development, business capture activities, and contract negotiationsDrive continuous alignment between customer goals and internal team execution, proactively identifying issues and mitigating risksDelegate with programmatic authority while also being a doer who can produce on their ownAccountable for the portfolio Estimate at Completion (EAC), including Earned Value Management System (EVMS) methodologiesMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in engineering10+ years of experience in program management, mission management, or chief engineering, specifically in the SpDA industry or RPO missionsDeep technical understanding of spacecraft design executing RPO and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) of Resident Space Objects (RSOs)Proven success managing programs through all lifecycle phases: proposal, capture, planning, execution, delivery, and closeoutExperience managing prime programs with budgets of $100M+ and teams of 40+ full-time equivalentsStrong communication, leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management skillsProficient in Microsoft Project or similar scheduling toolsAbility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearanceAbility to travel up to 25%This role is expected to be on-site, hybrid work can be acceptablePreferred QualificationsPrevious experience working in a high paced startup environmentExtensive experience in early mission concept definition, full design cycle, AI&T, launch integration, and mission operationsPrior experience in a chief engineering role highly desired, with an emphasis in systems engineering, mission engineering, mission architect, or astrodynamicsExperience working on LEO or GEO surveillance, reconnaissance, or NEI programsExperience in rapid prototyping and hardware fielding environmentsActive TS/SCI clearanceProgram Director Salary Range: $225,000 - $250,000 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: $225K - $250KLocationIrvine, CAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentOperationsCompensation$225K – $250KBase 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.