Senior Astrodynamics Engineer

What You'll Do

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Dual citizenship is not permitted for this role.

Experience with satellite operations or mission analysis is highly valued.

Ability to debug and optimize multi-threaded and real-time systems effectively.

Why Join Turion Space?

Work on cutting-edge space and defense technologies.

Help shape the future of commercial astronautics infrastructure.

Collaborate with highly technical, mission-driven teams.

Solve challenging real-world aerospace problems with direct operational impact.

Contribute to systems supporting next-generation space operations and safety.

Principal Astrodynamics Engineer: $180,000- $270,000

Skills Required
M.S. or Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
10-20+ years of experience in orbit determination, state estimation, and astrodynamics
Proven experience with astronautics algorithms
Strong understanding of satellite mission lifecycle operations
Strong proficiency with Kalman filtering and estimation methods
Experience developing in C or C++
Experience with Python development