Propulsion Engineer (II - III)

True Anomaly; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Parental leave

Job summary

True Anomaly in Laguna Beach, CA is hiring a Propulsion Engineer. The ideal candidate will design and test propulsion systems for next-generation space vehicles. Responsibilities include optimizing hardware and collaborating with various engineering teams. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering and 2-5 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary ($95,000 - $165,000) plus benefits, including health coverage and parental leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is required.
• 2+ years experience for level 2 and 5+ years for level 3.
• Experience with propulsion hardware including rocket engines and valves.
• Hot-fire and cold flow propulsion test experience required.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize propulsion systems for satellites.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on interface management.
• Mature propulsion systems from design to flight.

Skills

Propulsion hardware experience

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Passion for space industry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Propulsion test equipment

Fluid system design tools

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

As a Propulsion 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 Jackal and Space Based Interceptors. You will collaborate with Propulsion and other subsystem teams. This is an opportunity to design and develop our next generation vehicles, shaping the future of space capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, analyze, and optimize propulsion systems and components for advanced satellites and interceptors.
• Mature these systems from concept to flight, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Develop, review and release models and engineering drawings, P&ID, equipment lists.
• Work collaboratively with structural, mechanical, thermal, and avionics teams to manage interfaces, validate designs and ensure compliance with vehicle requirements.
• Shape the process. Brainstorm solutions, work continuous improvement initiatives, help streamline processes, help the team deliver high quality products and avoid low value add tasks.
• Own your area of responsibility. Become a technical expert, know how your part works with the larger system, identify risks, and present products to internal and external customers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 2+ years of professional experience (for level 2).
• 5+ years of professional experience (for level 3).
• Demonstrated experience with propulsion hardware; rocket engines, thrusters, valves, pumps, tanks, orifices, etc.
• Propulsion test experience; hot‑fire testing, cold flow, 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 with a multidisciplinary team of engineers in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interface effectively with suppliers and customers.
• Passion for the space industry.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering (advanced degrees count toward years of experience).
• Direct experience in development and production of Launch or Space Vehicles.
• Project leadership experience.
• Valve, propellant tank, thruster, engine design, analysis, and manufacturing experience.
• Mechanical design of primary/secondary structure and mechanisms on spacecraft, ground support and test equipment.
• Track record of innovative problem‑solving in complex mechanical designs.
• Experience working in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $95,000 - $165,000.
• 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

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA.
• 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.

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.