Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager, Electro-Optical SystemsDenver, CO or Long Beach, CATrue 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.True Anomaly is seeking an innovative Electro-Optical Systems Engineering Manager to lead a small, agile team responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of high-performance, affordable optical systems for our seeker and autonomous orbital vehicles. This includes Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) suites, LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and other advanced EO/IR payloads. Reporting to the VP of New Product Engineering, this role encompasses deep technical contribution alongside people management and strategic product planning. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in electro-optical systems development, with a command of the state-of-the-art in the field and the judgment to evaluate vertically integrated versus COTS solutions with speed and confidence. You will work closely with Business Development and the Program Office to define and execute the company's EO systems roadmap, translating mission needs into fielded hardware that delivers real on-orbit capability.ResponsibilitiesOwn the technical direction for EO/IR payload systems, including seekers, RPO sensor suites, LiDAR, and hyperspectral imaging systemsLead, mentor, and grow a team of electro-optical engineers across the full payload development lifecycleOversee end-to-end EO systems development: requirements definition, optical and systems design, component selection, analysis, procurement, integration, and testEvaluate and down-select between vertically integrated and COTS solutions based on performance, cost, schedule, and mission riskPartner with the VP of New Product Engineering, Business Development, and Program Office to define and maintain the company's EO systems development roadmapDevelop and maintain optical performance budgets, including radiometric, signal-to-noise, and resolution analysesEnsure payload designs meet mission requirements for reliability, thermal performance, radiation tolerance, and size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraintsManage schedules, budgets, staffing, and technical risk across multiple EO payload programsCollaborate with avionics, systems engineering, GNC, and software teams to ensure seamless spacecraft integrationDrive compliance with applicable aerospace standards and lead design reviews with internal stakeholders and customersCommunicate product development status and issues with leadership and stakeholdersQualificationsBachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)10+ years of professional experience in electro-optical systems design and development for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applicationsDemonstrated experience with EO/IR imaging systems, including detector selection, optical design, and system-level performance modelingExperience with proximity operations or seeker sensor architectures, LiDAR systems, or hyperspectral imaging payloadsStrong understanding of radiometric analysis, optical performance budgeting, and image quality assessmentFamiliarity with SWaP-constrained design trade-offs for spacecraft payloadsDemonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and deliver complex hardware on schedulePreferred Skills and ExperienceExperience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant EO/IR detector and focal plane array technologiesFamiliarity with optical design tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, or similarExperience with LiDAR system design, waveform processing, and point cloud generationKnowledge of hyperspectral sensor design, calibration, and on-orbit data processingExperience with thermal and structural analysis of optomechanical systemsFamiliarity with CCSDS or other space telemetry standards for payload data downlinkExperience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic settingCompensationBase Salary: $190,000-$300,000Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental LeaveYour 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.Additional RequirementsAbility to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearanceWork Location —this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations, with travel to other sites as needed.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.