Mission Architect, Tactical Space at Turion Space in Irvine, CA

Turion is developing the critical infrastructure of the space economy. We're doing this by building vertically integrated hardware and software: DROID, our line of space vehicles, and Starfire, our software suite covering simulation, modeling, planning, and operations. We're a group of people who fell in love with the future sci-fi promised us, and we're building it into reality. We build hard things. We build them well. And we're just getting started.

As a Mission Architect, Tactical Space, you'll define how mission needs translate into cohesive, executable architectures and solutions. You will oversee all aspects of designing, developing, and fielding Tactical Space missions, including integration with ground and user segments. You will closely work with technical teams, external customers, and other subject matter experts to shape the feasibility of new missions and architect existing missions. You will be integral to writing proposals, requirements definition, system design, integration & test, and on-orbit operations.

You will serve as the technical architect who guides how mission requirements, modeling and simulation, design reference missions, and system trades come together to form a clear and credible mission concept.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the mission architect for Turion’s Tactical Space portfolio, defining mission-level concepts, architectures, and integration frameworks.
• Develop and maintain mission-specific Design Reference Missions (DRMs) to guide system design, performance analysis, and operational concepts.
• Translate customer and stakeholder mission needs into clear architectural requirements and mission construct definitions.
• Lead mission modeling, simulation, and performance characterization activities, ensuring alignment with tactical mission use cases.
• Conduct and guide mission-level trade studies, evaluating system, operational, and architectural options to inform design and investment decisions.
• Define and communicate material and non-material architectural solutions responsive to mission needs, capability gaps, and operational constraints.
• Demonstrate how Turion’s solutions deliver mission outcomes within the context of the DRMs and tactical operational environments.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure system designs, payload choices, and CONOPS flow down from sound mission architecture.
• Partner with business development to align customer priorities, competitive positioning, and technical credibility within mission architecture frameworks.
• Communicate architectural insights, recommendations, and analysis results to executives, engineering leadership, and customers.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in mission architecture, mission engineering, systems engineering, or modeling and simulation, including responsibility for defining mission concepts or architectures.
• Deep knowledge of national security missions for both US DoW and IC, primarily in Space Control and/or Space Domain Awareness
• Demonstrated experience developing DRMs and performing mission-level modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Proven ability to lead mission or system trade studies and support architectural development across material and non-material domains.
• Strong understanding of space mission design, tactical operational concepts, and end-to-end mission performance analysis.
• Experience working across engineering disciplines and with non-technical stakeholders to develop integrated mission architectures.
• Must have an active Top Secret with SCI Eligibility security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace, astronautical, systems engineering, or a related field.
• Experience supporting business development, capture, or proposal efforts for aerospace or defense missions.
• Experience contributing to or guiding the development of integrated mission architectures and cross-functional engineering alignment.
• Experience with USG controlled access programs

Mission Architect, Tactical Space Salary Range: $250,000 - $300,000 USD

Employees 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 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.