Staff Propulsion Engineer

trueanomalyinc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 185,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class healthcare

Flexible Time Off

Daily catered lunch

Equity

401(k) retirement plan

Parental Leave

Dog Fridays

Job summary

True Anomaly, a pioneering space technology company, seeks a Staff Propulsion Development Engineer to design, build, and test propulsion systems for autonomous spacecraft. You will mentor engineers and lead multiple propulsion initiatives, aiming to advance our next-generation vehicles from the ground up.

Join a mission-driven team focused on state-of-the-art propulsion, ground tests, and flight campaigns. This onsite role requires collaboration across disciplines at our Centennial, CO or Long

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional experience in Launch or Space Vehicles.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Leadership in multidisciplinary teams

Propulsion systems design

Launch/space vehicle experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

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.

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 Brook 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 -