Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Overview

At Turion Space, we live at the intersection of the tech, aerospace, and defense industries. Our company thrives on solving hard problems and delivering software that our customers can rely upon. Our clients range from commercial companies licensing our software to large defense contractors that partner with us to develop and maintain systems.

As a Software C++ Engineer, you’ll design, develop, and maintain software systems that our customers depend on. You’ll work across a modern C++ codebase, contribute to CI/CD automation, and collaborate with a team that holds itself to a high standard of craft and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, and debug C++/Python software and systems that implement system requirements.

• Document developer and user feedback and develop project issues.

• Participate in regular code reviews.

• In coordination with project leads, support and maintain CI/CD automation.

• Own developer-facing automation, including but not limited to:

  • Improving build reliability.

  • Reducing manual release steps.

  • Creating repeatable workflows and scripts that help teams ship safely and consistently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• 3 to 10 years of professional experience; developers with fewer than 3 years may apply if they can demonstrate significant personal projects.

• Proficiency in C++, Python, CMake, MATLAB, and Fortran.

• A functional understanding of C++17/20.

• A functional understanding of C++ build systems, specifically modern CMake.

• A functional understanding of package managers (e.g., Conan).

• Experience building and maintaining CI/CD automation, including build/test pipelines, packaging, artifact versioning, and publishing to internal/external package registries.

• Familiarity with platform-oriented development practices, including but not limited to:

  • Expanding and working with shared tooling.

  • Collaborating with platform and infrastructure teams.

  • Enabling product teams to deliver independently.

• A deep understanding of revision control systems (e.g., Git) and associated hosting services (e.g., GitLab).

• Must be a U.S. Citizen (dual citizenship not accepted).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with astrodynamics or aerospace software domains.

• Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK/Astrogator, GMAT, or Orekit.

• Experience developing or maintaining enterprise-grade C++ libraries.

• Operational experience supporting software used in production space missions.

DevSecOps Engineer: $140,000–$190,000

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.