Payload Engineer

Payload Engineer

Department: Payload

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Irvine, California

Reporting To: Jackson Parker

Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000 / year

Description

Introduction -
As a Payload Systems Engineer, you will provide support for programs involving payload system and payload software 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.  

Note: This is an on-site position. We do not offer remote or hybrid work arrangements. 

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, Computer Systems, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 
• 3+ years of experience in a systems engineering or a similar role, with experience in designing and integrating cutting edge technologies. 
• Strong knowledge of payload system and/or software 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, Computer Systems, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 
• Experience designing, developing and testing robotics or spacecraft perception and computer vision systems 
• Experience in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision software purposed for deployment on embedded platforms  
• 5+ 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.

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.