Chief Engineer, Host Vehicle

Menlo Ventures; Laguna Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 355,000; Full time

Job summary

True Anomaly in Colorado is seeking a Chief Engineer, Host Vehicle to lead the technical execution of a next-generation missile defense program. You will serve as the top technical authority for the host vehicle, guiding architecture, requirements, and system integration through design, development, test, and fielding.

This role requires a strong systems-engineering background, cross-functional leadership across hardware and software, and a track record delivering aerospace subsystems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years aerospace subsystem delivery from concept to fielding.
• Balance technical rigor with schedule and program realities.
• Strong systems engineering across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams across hardware and software boundaries.
• Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of a next-generation missile defense program.
• Serve as the top technical authority for the host vehicle; accountable for engineering performance.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams through design, development, analysis, test, and fielding phases.
• Drive design readiness reviews, technical baseline management, and design assurance.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Risk management

Hardware-software integration

Requirements verification

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng or related field

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

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.

YOUR MISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES

True Anomaly is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Engineer, Host Vehicle to lead the technical execution of a next-generation missile defense program. This is a generational opportunity to architect a solution to some of the most challenging mission sets in missile defense, not to mention aerospace engineering as a whole. You will serve as the top technical authority for the host vehicle, accountable for engineering performance, risk management, and system integration. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams through design, development, analysis, test, and fielding phases while ensuring the vehicle architecture, requirements, and design decisions align with system-level objectives and mission success criteria. You must impedance match rigor and analysis depth to the maturity and risk posture of the program. Finally you will drive design and technical readiness reviews, technical baseline management, and design assurance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of proven experience delivering a major aerospace subsystem or vehicle from concept through delivery/fielding

• Demonstrated ability to balance technical rigor with schedule and program realities
• Strong systems engineering and technical leadership background across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
• Strong background in systems engineering practices: requirements, verification, trade studies, interface control, and failure analysis

• Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and coordinate across hardware and software boundaries

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field. Master’s or Ph.D. preferred
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
• Experience with missile defense or space vehicle programs
• Strong track record leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing design-to-delivery cycles
• TS/SCI clearance

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $210,000-$355,000
• 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 and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location — Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• 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.

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.