Senior Payload Systems Engineer

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Irvine, CA
In-Office
140K-180K Annually
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
From Detection to Remediation — Protecting the Orbital Highway for Tomorrow’s Space Economy
The Role
Senior Payload Systems Engineer
Department: Payload
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Irvine, California
Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 / year
Description
As a Senior Payload Systems Engineer, you will provide support for programs involving payload system design, trades, integration and testing. You will also be responsible for understanding and leading to the decomposition and allocation of electro-optical payload requirements to lower-level specifications as well as facilitating cross-collaboration with the spacecraft bus team.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and Development: Lead the design and development of payload systems, including defining system requirements, creating design specifications, and overseeing the development process.
  • Integration: Work with engineering teams to integrate payload systems into Turion's spacecraft platform. Ensure compatibility and successful integration of payloads with spacecraft systems and subsystems.
  • Testing: Develop and worth with SME's to execute test plans for payload systems. Conduct performance testing, including functional, environmental, and operational tests, to ensure payloads meet mission requirements.
  • Analysis: Perform system analysis and simulations to assess payload performance and reliability. Use modeling and simulation tools to predict and assess payload behavior.
  • Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation for payload systems, including design reports, test plans, and technical specifications. Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with industry standards.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software engineers, and mission planners, to coordinate payload development efforts as well as address and resolve integration and performance issues.
  • Support: Provide technical support during payload integration and testing phases. Address and resolve issues that arise during system development and mission execution.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in a systems engineering or a similar role, with experience in designing and integrating cutting edge technologies into supporting platform systems.
  • Strong knowledge of payload system design, integration, and testing.
  • Proficiency with engineering tools and software for simulation and analysis (e.g. Python, Matlab, CAD, Zeemax and/or FreeFlyer).
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex technical challenges and develop effective solutions.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail in designing, testing, and documenting payload systems.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.
  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in payload systems engineering, with experience in aerospace or high-tech industries. Familiarity with satellite payload systems is a plus.
  • Experience with Electro-Optical payload development, integration and testing
  • Expertise in advanced payload system design and integration techniques. Experience with payloads for space missions, including scientific instruments, sensors, and communication systems.
  • Experience working with aerospace or space technology sectors, including understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with payload systems for space missions.
  • Proven ability to drive innovation and improvements in payload systems design and integration processes.

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:
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
  • Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing 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.

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The Company
HQ: Irvine, CA
150 Employees
Year Founded: 2022

What We Do

Turion Space is building the infrastructure to secure and sustain the future of space. Founded to address the growing need for space domain awareness, in-space servicing, and debris mitigation, Turion designs, builds, and operates spacecraft with real-world operational capability. Our vehicles are built for national security and commercial missions that require speed, autonomy, and resilience.

We believe the next chapter of space operations will be defined by who can act, not just observe. That’s why we’re focused on building platforms that move fast, adapt in orbit, and solve problems ranging from satellite servicing to tactical intelligence gathering.

We successfully launched our DROID.001 satellite in June 2023 and DROID.002 in March 2025. DROID.003 is scheduled for launch in 2026.

Why Work With Us

Turion Space is where startup grit meets real space missions. We build and fly spacecraft for defense, servicing, and domain awareness. No red tape, no sidelines, just hands-on work that matters.

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