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From Detection to Remediation — Protecting the Orbital Highway for Tomorrow’s Space Economy
The Role
Senior Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer
Department: Space Mobility R&D
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Irvine, California
Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 / year
Description
As a Senior Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer, you will conceive, design, and implement complex electromechanical spacecraft mechanisms. You will be part of the mechanical engineering team and work on the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of our vehicles and mechanisms. You're able to brainstorm concepts and solutions and generate detailed specifications & drawings and analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify performance.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
ITAR Requirements:
Benefits
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. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department.
Department: Space Mobility R&D
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Irvine, California
Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 / year
Description
As a Senior Spacecraft Mechanism Design Engineer, you will conceive, design, and implement complex electromechanical spacecraft mechanisms. You will be part of the mechanical engineering team and work on the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of our vehicles and mechanisms. You're able to brainstorm concepts and solutions and generate detailed specifications & drawings and analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and Development: Conceive, develop and design precision electromechanical systems for the extreme conditions encountered in space environments. A deep understanding of electromechanical design, normally acquired with several years of precision machine design experience, is integral to this position. Ensure designs meet mission requirements and industry standards.
- Integration: Work with engineering teams to integrate mechanical systems into spacecraft and satellite platforms. Ensure compatibility with electrical, thermal, and software systems.
- Testing and Validation: Create and execute test plans for mechanical systems. Perform performance and reliability testing to validate system functionality and compliance with specifications.
- Problem-Solving: Address and resolve technical issues related to mechanical systems. Troubleshoot problems and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and technical manuals. Ensure all documentation meets company and industry standards.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software engineers, and mission planners, to address and resolve integration and performance issues.
Required Qualifications
- Required
- Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 15+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with experience in designing and developing high precision electromechanical systems for extreme environments. Experience with spacecraft or high-tech industries is a plus.
- Technical Skills: Knowledge of mechanical system design, structural analysis, kinematics, dynamics, electric motors, actuators, and controls. Proficiency with engineering tools and software for design and simulation (e.g., SolidWorks).
- Experience with 3D CAD, 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
- Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and collaborate with team members.
- Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.
- Preferred
- Education: Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
- Experience: 15+ years of experience in machine design, with significant experience in aerospace or space technology sectors, including an in-depth understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with mechanical systems for space missions. Experience with satellite systems is a plus
- Advanced Skills: Expertise in mechanical systems design and integration techniques as applied to motors, electronic components, bearings, gears, power screws, springs, clutches, brakes, materials, lubrication, and coating selection. Familiarity with high-stress materials, thermal control systems, and space-qualified components.
- Innovation: Demonstrated ability to contribute to innovative mechanical system designs and improvements.
- Advanced, hands-on skills with machine tools and various fabrication techniques.
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
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan.
- 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.
- Diverse and Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to support a welcoming and equitable work environment.
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. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department.
Turion Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials and job listings indicate comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with statements that dental and vision are fully covered in 2026. Additional notes highlight wellness-oriented offerings such as mental-health support.
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Retirement Support — The package includes a 401(k) plan, and multiple listings and updates indicate employer 401(k) contributions or matching added for 2026. This points to improved retirement support compared with earlier periods.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave are described on the company site and external listings. These inclusions suggest a rounded baseline of time-off benefits.
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The Company
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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Turion Space Offices
OnSite Workspace
Typical time on-site:
None
Irvine, CA
