Director of Mission Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

At Turion Space, understanding the mission space is what turns advanced technology into operational capability. As the Director of Mission Engineering , you'll lead the modeling and simulation efforts that frame how our systems perform against real mission needs, building mission-specific Design Reference Missions (DRMs), running the system trades that shape our architectures, and demonstrating 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. This position is onsite at our Irvine, California headquarters.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the mission engineering function at Turion Space, building a high-performing team and establishing the processes and tools needed to deliver rigorous mission analysis.

• Support engagements with customers and stakeholders 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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 an 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.

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.

Compensation Range: $150K - $280K