Engineering Manager, Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem

True Anomaly, Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class healthcare

Generous time off

Daily catered lunch

Equity participation

Dog Fridays

Job summary

True Anomaly, Inc. in Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA, is hiring an Engineering Manager for the Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem.

You will own the strategy and execution of propulsion across vehicles and lead the team that designs and delivers propulsion subsystems for Jackal, Space Based Interceptors, and future vehicles. You will directly supervise propulsion engineers and REs, manage interfaces with suppliers, and drive technical decisions while developing your people and maintaining schedules and

Qualifications

• Experience leading propulsion engineers
• Proven ability to manage complex propulsion subsystems
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and schedule discipline

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and develop a team of propulsion engineers capable of writing requirements, designing, analyzing, testing, and delivering propulsion systems on aggressive schedules.
• Collaborate with Propulsion Leads to manage technical, cost, and schedule performance for each vehicle's propulsion system.
• Set clear expectations, provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and create development plans that grow each team member's skills.
• Foster a team culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and ownership.
• Define processes and build tools that enable faster, high-quality product delivery.
• Address and resolve blockers, resource conflicts, and cross-functional issues.
• Mentor propulsion technical leads balancing technical, cost, and schedule demands.
• Manage resources across multiple dynamic programs to meet milestones.
• Provide technical oversight and approval authority for major decisions; ensure trade studies are well-supported.
• Review and approve designs, analyses, and work plans for flight hardware.
• Champion safety and ensure that requirements are met.

Skills

Team leadership

Propulsion systems

Requirements writing

Safety culture

Mentoring

Job description

Engineering Manager, Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem

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.

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 Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem Manager at True Anomaly, you will own the strategy and execution of our propulsion systems across our vehicles, and lead the people behind them. You will have the opportunity to build the team that delivers next generation propulsion subsystems to Jackal, Space Based Interceptors, and other future vehicles. You will directly lead a team of propulsion system and component REs and analysts responsible for selecting components, designing the propulsion subsystem, managing interfaces, managing external and internal suppliers, and ultimately delivering the propulsion subsystem. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable jumping in and driving technical decisions as they are developing and managing the people doing that work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervise, hire, and develop a team of propulsion engineers capable of writing requirements, designing, analyzing, testing, and delivering propulsion systems on aggressive schedules.
• Work with your Propulsion Leads to ensure their success in managing the technical, cost, and schedule performance of each vehicle's propulsion system.
• Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and create development plans that grow each team member's technical skills and career.
• Foster a team culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and ownership.
• Define processes and build tools that enable the team to deliver high quality products faster.
• Address and resolve technical blockers, resource conflicts, and cross‑functional issues affecting your team.
• Mentor and manage propulsion technical leads who are balancing the technical, cost, and schedule demands of a vehicle propulsion system.
• Manage resources across multiple dynamic programs to meet milestones efficiently.
• Provide technical oversight and approval authority for major decisions; ensure trade study conclusions are well‑supported and aligned with program needs and budget.
• Review and approve designs, analyses, and work plans for flight hardware.
• Champion safety. Ensure that requirements,