Staff Propulsion Engineer

Staff Propulsion Engineer

Denver, CO OR Long Beach, CA

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

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.

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.

As a Staff Propulsion Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will be responsible for design, build, and test of multiple propulsion systems including flight systems and ground test campaigns in the development of our spacecraft. You will be a technical expert for the Propulsion team providing knowledge and mentorship to other engineers. This is an opportunity to design and develop our next generation vehicles, shaping the future of space exploration from the ground up.

Support the design, analysis, and optimization of propulsion systems and components for advanced satellites, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements.

Work propulsion and other spacecraft subsystems from concept to flight.

Review models and drawings from top level down to piece parts as needed.

Work collaboratively with structural, mechanical, thermal, and avionics teams to validate designs and ensure compliance with mission requirements.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design efficiency, manufacturability, and system performance.

Present content to internal and external customers.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

10+ years of professional experience in Launch or Space Vehicles.

Demonstrated experience with stage systems, rocket engines, flight valves, and/or detailed fluid system architecture and analysis.

Propulsion test experience including hot-fire or pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, and propellant loading.

Fluid system design and analysis including pressurization system sizing, water hammer analysis, pressure budgets, FMECAs, and FDIR architecture.

Demonstrated ability to work and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Passion for the space industry.

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

10+ years professional experience in development and production of space systems.

5+ years project leadership experience.

Valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing experience.

Experience in or exposure to mechanical design for propulsion systems, mechanisms, and/or optical payloads.

Track record of innovative problem-solving in complex mechanical designs.

Experience working in a startup or similarly dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Familiarity with full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.

Base Salary: $155,000-$260,000

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.

Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance

Work Location — This is a fully onsite role. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver office daily.

Travel —employees can expect to travel up to 20% to our Long Beach factory and to vendor sites.