Data Platform Engineer

Data Platform Engineer

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025

Department: Vehicle / Ground Software

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Irvine, California

Reporting To: Sammy Roberts

Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

Turion Space is building spacecraft for national security and in-space operations. From debris removal to space domain awareness to building a more secure space economy, we are a team focused on getting real hardware to orbit fast and scaling capability.

We are looking for a Data Platform Engineer to help architect and drive the development of the data infrastructure that powers our mission operations, analytics, and AI/ML systems. You will build and scale data pipelines and platforms that enable smarter spacecraft and data-driven space operations.

This is a highly technical, hands-on role ideal for someone with deep experience in data architecture, real-time streaming, and distributed data systems and a passion for helping space systems operate at the cutting edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data architectures, including real-time streaming, data lakes, and analytics platforms
• Lead technical strategy for data pipelines, storage, and processing frameworks
• Build and maintain data platforms supporting mission operations, telemetry processing, and ML workflows
•  Drive data quality initiatives across the organization
•  Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Flight Software, GNC, Mission Operations, Platform Engineering) to deliver robust data solutions for spacecraft operations
• Establish best practices for data governance, security, and compliance
• Implement data observability and monitoring across the data platform

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Minimum Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field
•  5+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or similar roles
• Strong experience with stream processing platforms (Apache Kafka, Apache Flink)
• Expertise in data lakes and data warehouses (Delta Lake, Apache Iceberg, Click House)
• Experience with distributed computing frameworks (Apache Spark)
•  Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes)
•  Familiarity with ML platforms (Kubeflow) and feature stores
•  Proficiency in Python, SQL, and NoSQL databases (including Couchbase)
• Experience with real-time data processing and time-series databases
•  Knowledge of data quality tools and practices (Great Expectations or similar)
•  Experience using dbt for data modeling and transformations
•  Strong background in schema and data model design
•  Proficiency in data pipeline orchestration tools
•  Aerospace or satellite systems experience, especially related to telemetry processing
•  Understanding of data governance in regulated environments
•  Background in high-performance computing
• Passion for space exploration and building systems that operate in space

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.