True Anomaly Logo

True Anomaly

Staff Propulsion Engineer

Posted An Hour Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Denver, CO, USA
185K-280K Annually
Expert/Leader
In-Office
Denver, CO, USA
185K-280K Annually
Expert/Leader
Design, analyze, build, and test propulsion systems for advanced spacecraft from concept through flight. Provide technical leadership and mentorship, review models and drawings, lead multidisciplinary design validation, support propulsion testing and vehicle checkouts, and present technical content to customers. The role requires extensive launch or space vehicle experience, fluid system expertise, and the ability to lead complex propulsion development in a fast-paced environment.
The summary above was generated by AI

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.

BENEFITS & PERKS*

  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
  • Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
  • Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
  • And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
  • Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.

*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

YOUR MISSION

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.

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 know.

HQ

True Anomaly Centennial, Colorado, USA Office

True Anomaly Engineering and Manufacturing Office

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about 15 miles south of Downtown Denver, Centennial is the home of True Anomaly HQ. Centennial offers access to both big-city amenities and the country’s best outdoor recreation, a great public school system, and a range of neighborhood options.

True Anomaly Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Office

True Anomaly Mission Operations Office

CO Springs offers the best of Rocky Mountain living with easy access to nature, hundreds of miles of trails, parks, and open spaces for hiking, biking, and climbing. Colorado Springs is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the US, offers affordability and amazing quality of life

Similar Jobs at True Anomaly

An Hour Ago
In-Office
Denver, CO, USA
120K-175K Annually
Senior level
120K-175K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Own end-to-end execution of complex spacecraft payload development and integration programs, from requirements through deployment. Coordinate engineering, systems, software, manufacturing, test, security, launch, and mission operations teams. Manage schedules, dependencies, risks, interfaces, tradeoffs, testing, program metrics, and stakeholder communications while ensuring delivery of mission-critical aerospace systems in a classified national security environment.
Top Skills: AgileConfluenceItarJIRAKanbanPower BIScrum
An Hour Ago
In-Office
Denver, CO, USA
165K-245K Annually
Senior level
165K-245K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Design, analyze, build, and test propulsion systems for advanced satellites and missile defense vehicles from concept through flight. Lead propulsion development and ground test campaigns, review models and drawings, collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, optimize system performance and manufacturability, and mentor engineers. The role requires expertise in rocket engines, valves, fluid systems, pressurization, propulsion testing, and vehicle-level checkouts, with occasional vendor and factory travel.
Top Skills: Fdir ArchitectureFlight ValvesFluid System ArchitectureFmecaHot-Fire TestingItarPressure BudgetsPressure TestingPressurization SystemsPropellant LoadingPropulsion SystemsRocket EnginesStage SystemsVehicle-Level Propulsion CheckoutsWater Hammer Analysis
Yesterday
In-Office
Denver, CO, USA
165K-245K Annually
Senior level
165K-245K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Leads the full lifecycle design and development of liquid rocket combustion devices, including injectors, thrust chambers, regenerative cooling circuits, nozzles, and acoustic stability features. Performs combustion, thermal, structural, and performance analysis; applies additive manufacturing and high-temperature materials; reviews CAD and GD&T drawings; interprets test data; supports build, integration, qualification, and flight delivery; and mentors engineers.
Top Skills: Additive ManufacturingCadDmlsGd&THaynes SuperalloysInconelNasa CeaSlm

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account