Program Director

At Turion Space , we’re on a mission to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it. We’re developing spacecraft for national security, in-space servicing, and orbital debris removal. As we prepare for upcoming launches and expand our portfolio of government and commercial programs, we’re looking for a Program Director to drive execution across program portfolios and ensure successful deliveries from concept through launch.

This role is based at our Irvine, California headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery for a portfolio of spacecraft missions operating in LEO, MEO, GEO, or other orbital regimes against the cost, schedule, and technical baselines
• Serve as the primary interface with government customers, cultivating relationships and representing Turion in all program-related matter
• Build and manage program teams and external supplier relationships to meet contractual and technical requirements
• Develop program execution strategies, master schedules, and detailed program plans, coordinating across all internal functions
• Monitor and report program performance metrics, financials, risks, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders
• Support proposal development, business capture activities, and contract negotiations
• Drive continuous alignment between customer goals and internal team execution, proactively identifying issues and mitigating risks
• Delegate with programmatic authority while also being a doer who can produce on their own
• Accountable for the portfolio Estimate at Completion (EAC), including Earned Value Management System (EVMS) methodologies

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program management, mission management, or chief engineering, specifically in the SpDA industry or RPO missions
• Deep technical understanding of spacecraft design executing RPO and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) of Resident Space Objects (RSOs)
• Proven success managing programs through all lifecycle phases: proposal, capture, planning, execution, delivery, and closeout
• Experience managing prime programs with budgets of $100M+ and teams of 40+ full-time equivalents
• Strong communication, leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or similar scheduling tools
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to travel up to 25%

This role is expected to be on-site, hybrid work can be acceptable

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a high paced startup environment
• Extensive experience in early mission concept definition, full design cycle, AI&T, launch integration, and mission operations
• Prior experience in a chief engineering role highly desired, with an emphasis in systems engineering, mission engineering, mission architect, or astrodynamics
• Experience working on LEO or GEO surveillance, reconnaissance, or NEI programs
• Experience in rapid prototyping and hardware fielding environments
• Active TS/SCI clearance

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.

Program Director Salary Range: $225,000 - $250,000 USD

Employees may be asked to support alternate shifts, extended shifts, and/or travel during peak work periods.

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.