Propulsion Engineer (II - III)

True Anomaly; Long Beach, Denver (CA, CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Parental leave

Job summary

True Anomaly in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to design, build, and test propulsion systems for advanced spacecraft. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance and reliability of propulsion systems. Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 2+ years of experience. The position offers a package that includes equity, health benefits, PTO, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience (level 2) or 5+ years (level 3).
• Experience with propulsion hardware: rocket engines, valves, pumps.
• Passion for the space industry.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize propulsion systems for satellites.
• Collaborate with other teams to ensure vehicle compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in product quality.

Skills

Propulsion hardware

Fluid system design and analysis

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Job description

About the Company

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 design, build, and test multiple propulsion systems, including flight systems and ground test campaigns, for the Jackal and Space Based Interceptors. You will collaborate with Propulsion and other subsystem teams to shape the future of space capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, analyze, and optimize propulsion systems and components for advanced satellites and interceptors.
• Advance these systems from concept to flight, ensuring performance and reliability requirements are met.
• 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 vehicle requirement compliance.
• Shape the process: brainstorm solutions, lead continuous improvement initiatives, streamline processes, and enhance product quality.
• Own your area of responsibility, become a technical expert, understand system interactions, identify risks, and present products to internal and external stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 2+ years of professional experience (level 2) or 5+ years (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: pressurization system sizing, water hammer analysis, pressure budgets, FMECAs, and FDIR architecture.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary engineering team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 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 the development and production of launch or space vehicles.
• Project leadership experience.
• Design, analysis, and manufacturing experience of valves, propellant tanks, thrusters, engines.
• 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, fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.

COMPENSATION

• Equity + benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401(k), parental leave.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates must be located near Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA.
• Work environment—temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that affect working conditions.
• Physical demands—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, 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 let us know.