True Anomaly
Director, Propulsion Engineering
2mo ago
USADirectorpropulsion systemstest operationsmetal additive manufacturingmanufacturing methods
Lead the strategy, development, and delivery of next-generation propulsion systems for spacecraft and missile defense at True Anomaly.
Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Propulsion System Development
- Define and own the propulsion technology roadmap across True Anomaly's spacecraft and defense platforms, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements.
- Drive system-level requirements development, decomposition, and traceability from vehicle-level requirements down to component and subsystem specifications.
- Drive make/buy analysis and cost/risk/performance trades for propulsion components including engines, valves, tanks, and fluid systems.
- Collaborate on the design, development, test and deployment of the fluid systems that are integral to our propulsion systems.
- Champion the integration of metal additive manufacturing (AM) methods into propulsion hardware development — evaluating AM applicability, qualifying printed components, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to mature AM processes for flight use.
- Ensure propulsion designs are robust and reliable across the space operating environment.
- Test Facility Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of True Anomaly's propulsion testing efforts, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective execution of hot-fire, cold-flow, and pressure test campaigns.
- Own the test facility roadmap — identifying capability gaps, leading infrastructure investments, and scaling test operations to support our accelerating development efforts.
- Oversee the development of propellant loading capabilities, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, and anomaly investigation and resolution during test campaigns.
- Drive a culture of test rigor and data-driven decision-making within the propulsion organization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure propulsion systems integrate seamlessly at the vehicle level.
- Serve as the primary propulsion point of contact in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and communicate propulsion status, risks, and recommendations clearly to program leadership and customers.
- Interface with government customers, external partners, and suppliers to define requirements, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
- Present propulsion strategy, technical status, and test results to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
- Team Building & Management
- Build, lead, and scale a high-performing team of propulsion engineers with expertise spanning fluid systems, combustion, structural analysis, test operations, and advanced manufacturing.
- Develop and execute a staffing and organizational growth plan aligned with program timelines; partner with Talent Acquisition to attract top propulsion talent.
- Establish a strong engineering culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor senior engineers and define clear technical career paths within the propulsion organization.
- Define team processes, tools, and standards for design, documentation, analysis, and test.
- Program Execution
- Own propulsion deliverables against program schedules, budgets, and technical performance metrics.
- Proactively identify technical risks and drive mitigation strategies; communicate status and critical issues clearly to the VP of Space Vehicle Engineering and program leadership.
- Support spacecraft integration and test campaigns including I&T planning, anomaly investigation, and resolution.
Requirements
- 15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or advanced defense propulsion systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or people management role.
- Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems development across the full lifecycle — from concept and design through integration, test, and flight operations.
- Deep expertise in fluid system design and analysis including rocket engines, flight valves, propellant tanks and pressurization systems.
- Extensive propulsion test experience including hot-fire and pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, propellant loading, and test facility operations and safety management.
- Proven track record of building, scaling, and leading high-performing propulsion engineering teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical content to senior leadership and external customers.
- Passion for the space and defense industry and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.
- Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
- Work Location —Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test sites.
- Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
- Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
- This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
- True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.
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Nice to have
- Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing for propulsion applications, including design for AM, process qualification, and flight certification of printed components.
- Experience with valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing.
- Familiarity with or direct experience overseeing a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning and safety program management.
- Background in DoD space or missile defense propulsion programs.
- Experience scaling a propulsion or aerospace engineering organization during a high-growth or startup phase.
- Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
- Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion standards, NASA-STD, or equivalent.
- Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or the ability to obtain one.
Conditions
- Base Salary: $190,000-$320,000
- Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
- Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
Other
- Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
- OUR MISSION
- True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
- OUR VALUES
- Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
- What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
- It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.
- YOUR MISSION
- As Director of Propulsion Engineering at True Anomaly, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of next-generation propulsion systems across our spacecraft and missile defense portfolio. You will own the technical vision for propulsion from early concept s through fligh t while coordinating the future of our propulsion test ing strategy . You will also drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, including metal additive manufacturing, to accelerate development timelines and unlock novel design solutions. This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of deep propulsion expertise , rigorous test operations, and cutting-edge manufacturing innovation.