Staff Propulsion Engineer

Staff Propulsion Development Engineer

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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.

Compensation

• Base Salary: $185,000-$280,000
• 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.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
• Work Location — This is a fully onsite role at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver office daily. For exceptionally qualified candidates who live outside a reasonable commuting distance of our Centennial or Long Beach offices, remote work within the U.S. may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and approval. Remote eligibility is not guaranteed and will be confirmed at the offer stage. Remote employees are expected to travel to a primary office about once a month. Any remote work must be performed from an approved location within the U.S. meeting the Company's security requirements.
• Travel —employees can expect to travel up to 20% to our Long Beach factory and to vendor 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.