Senior development engineering

True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will play a foundational role in setting the path for propulsion testing and rapid design maturation. You will define what the facility needs to do, evaluate how to build it, and make the technical case for infrastructure decisions that will shape True Anomaly's test operations for years to come. This means developing detailed test stand requirements, leading trade studies across facility architecture and infrastructure options, and working alongside the Propulsion and Test teams to define test plans and a facility that is safe, capable, and built to scale. This is a rare opportunity to stand up a new propulsion test capability from a blank sheet and then transition into a recurring role managing propulsion development test programs that come through the facility.

Develop and own the test stand requirements for True Anomaly's new propulsion test facility, derived from current and anticipated propulsion hardware test needs across the spacecraft and missile defense portfolio.

Define test stand performance envelopes: thrust levels, propellant flow rates, operating pressures, temperature ranges, test duration, and data acquisition requirements.

Establish requirements for propellant storage and delivery systems, pressurant supply, purge and vent systems, fire suppression, and facility utilities.

Work with propulsion engineering team to understand hardware under test interfaces and ensure test stand designs fully accommodate the hardware needs.

Establish and maintain documentation of the facility design and capability as it evolves.

Lead structured trade studies evaluating facility infrastructure options including test stand configurations, propellant feed system architecture, GSE procurement vs. fabrication, data acquisition system platforms, and facility control room layouts.

Define figures of merit, evaluate alternatives against cost, schedule, safety, scalability, and operational flexibility, and produce clear recommendations with supporting analysis.

Research and assess commercially available test stand components, instrumentation systems, and GSE equipment; Evaluate site infrastructure options including water supply, electrical power, gas supply, and effluent management to identify constraints and preferred solutions.

Document trade study results in formal reports suitable for review by program leadership and external stakeholders.

Facility Design Support

Translate requirements and trade study outcomes into facility design inputs; collaborate with civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure test stand and infrastructure designs are correctly specified.

Review design drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specification submitted documents for technical accuracy and compliance with requirements.

Support development of the facility hazard analysis, safety basis documentation, and operating procedures as the technical subject matter expert on test stand capabilities and limitations.

Identify and track open technical risks associated with facility design and infrastructure procurement; Test Operations Development

Contribute to the development of test procedures, data acquisition plans, and instrumentation layouts for initial test campaigns as the facility transitions from construction to operations.

Support facility acceptance testing and commissioning, including verification that installed systems meet defined requirements.

Assist with anomaly investigations during facility buildup and early operations.

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.

8+ years of professional experience in propulsion or fluid systems test engineering for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications.

Demonstrated experience developing test stand or test facility requirements for propulsion or fluid system hardware.

Experience conducting and documenting formal engineering trade studies, with the ability to define evaluation criteria, analyze alternatives, and independently defend recommendations to senior leadership.

Strong working knowledge of propulsion and fluid system components: engines, valves, regulators, tanks, pressurization systems, and feed system architectures.

Familiarity with facility infrastructure systems supporting propulsion test: propellant storage and delivery, pressurant supply, purge and vent, fire suppression, and data acquisition.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, well-structured technical reports and present findings to leadership.

Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.

Direct experience supporting the design, buildout, or commissioning of a new propulsion test stand or test facility.

Hands‑on experience with propellant handling and hazardous fluid operations, including familiarity with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Experience with P&ID development and review for propulsion ground systems.

Proficiency with data acquisition systems and test automation platforms (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).

Experience engaging and technically evaluating vendors for test equipment, GSE, or facility infrastructure.

Familiarity with Colorado Front Range permitting, zoning, or environmental requirements for hazardous materials operations.

Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one.

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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.