Principal Astrodynamics Engineer

Turion Space • Irvine, CA

1d • $180,000 - $270,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Astrodynamics Engineer – Orbit Determination Specialist to lead the development of high-fidelity orbit determination and astronautics capabilities for a world-class commercial astronautics' library. In this role, you will design and implement advanced estimation algorithms, support mission analysis activities, and collaborate closely with software engineers, product teams, and mission operators. You will play a critical role in ensuring the technical excellence, scalability, and operational reliability of our astronautics platform. This position is ideal for someone with deep expertise in orbital mechanics, state estimation, and spacecraft mission operations who enjoys solving complex aerospace problems in a fast-moving environment.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in: Astronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering (space-focused, Applied Mathematics, Physics Or a related technical discipline
• Experience 10–20+ years of professional experience in: Orbit determination, State estimation, Astrodynamics, Trajectory optimization
• Proven experience developing and analyzing astronautics algorithms for operational or mission environments.
• Strong understanding of: Satellite mission lifecycle operations: Launch, Commissioning, On-orbit operations, End-of-life disposal. Spacecraft subsystems and mission impacts: Propulsion, Thermal systems, Power systems, Communications. Orbital mechanics and environmental effects: Atmospheric drag, Radiation pressure, Perturbation modeling. Maneuver design and navigation operations.
• Ground station coordination and operational mission constraints.
• Space situational awareness (SSA) and conjunction assessment.
• Strong proficiency with: Kalman filtering and estimation methods, Relative and inertial state estimation, Numerical methods and optimization techniques, Modern software development in: C or C++, Modeling and simulation for aerospace systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with industry-standard astrodynamics tools such as: GMAT, Orekit, AGI STK Astrogator, FreeFlyer
• Experience with: Multi-target tracking, Data association Space situational awareness systems
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in: Orbit determination, Anomaly detection, State estimation
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.
• Strong background in covariance analysis and error propagation.
• Modern C++ development experience (C++11+).
• Python development experience (Python 3+).
• Familiarity with: Git workflows CI/CD systems GitLab CI, Jenkins

Responsibilities

• Serve as the astronautics lead for a commercial-grade astronautics software library.
• Develop, test, and deploy high-fidelity orbit determination (OD) algorithms and applications.
• Design scalable, production-quality OD pipelines and services using C++.
• Implement advanced state estimation techniques including: Extended Kalman Filters (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filters (UKF), Batch Least Squares, Stochastic filtering and smoothing methods.
• Build and validate inertial propagation and perturbation models, including: Gravitational models, Atmospheric drag, Solar radiation pressure (SRP), N-body perturbations.
• Conduct maneuver planning and trajectory analysis for: Collision avoidance, Station-keeping, Orbit transfers, Rendezvous operations.
• Support conjunction analysis and space debris mitigation activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate navigation and OD systems into broader spacecraft architectures.
• Lead modeling and simulation efforts supporting mission and system design.
• Ensure engineering accuracy through rigorous testing and validation methodologies.
• Participate in peer code reviews and contribute to high software quality standards.
• Partner with product and business teams to help shape platform capabilities and customer-facing functionality.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Company stock
• Equity in Turion Space
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Access to a 401(k) plan
• Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays
• Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses
• Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal