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 Development and Test Manager at True Anomaly, you will own the strategy, execution, and lead the people behind our propulsion development program. You will have the opportunity to build from the ground up. You will directly lead a team of propulsion development engineers responsible for defining our development requirements and completing trades on design options, maturing our propulsion capabilities and executing propulsion development test campaigns across our True Anomaly’s propulsion portfolio. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable jumping in and analyzing and driving technical decisions as they are developing and managing the people doing that work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & People Management

Directly supervise, including hiring and developing a team of propulsion development engineers, capable of writing requirements, designing, analyzing, testing and delivering prototype hardware on aggressive schedules.
Align an influx of propulsion development demand with the capabilities, resources and schedules of your team. Collaborate on strategy, schedule commitments and roadmaps to develop propulsion capabilities and deliver product.
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.
Address and resolve technical blockers, resource conflicts, and cross-functional issues affecting your team.

Propulsion development products

Build and execute a roadmap to evaluate our propulsion systems at component and system level. Spearhead plans to test early and often, buy down risk with smaller tests. Establish system level tests starting with commercial off the shelf GSE hardware, then swap parts out for more representative flight hardware, increasing fidelity over time.
Integrate that propulsion test planning with a facility and GSE capability plan. What test capabilities are needed when? What practical limitations of test capability constrain the testing roadmaps.
Provide technical oversight and approval authority for infrastructure trade studies; ensure trade study conclusions are well-supported and aligned with program needs and budget.
Review and approve P&IDs, fabrication drawings, material selections, and vendor proposals for test stand hardware.
Champion safety. Ensure hazard analyses, propellant handling procedures, and regulatory coordination activities are properly resourced and executed.
Drive resolution of facility design and construction issues, interfacing with civil, mechanical, electrical, and safety teams as needed.
Serve as a management-level champion for safety in all aspects of design and operations. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permitting. Ensure hypergolic system designs comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and DoD standards.
Oversee hardware procurement, fabrication oversight, installation, and commissioning activities; resolve nonconformances and design anomalies that require management or cross-functional engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
10+ years of professional experience in propulsion and fluid systems engineering for aerospace, launch vehicle, or defense applications, with at least 3 years in a direct people management or influential leadership role.
Demonstrated experience leading a team through the development and execution of propulsion test campaigns, including hot-fire, cold-flow, and pressure testing.
Hands-on background in propulsion or fluid system design, analysis, or test.
Experience with hypergolic propellant systems, hazardous fluid operations, or high-pressure propulsion ground systems, including familiarity with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, track schedule and budget performance, and surface risks proactively.
Proven track record of building cohesive technical teams and developing individual contributors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical status and recommendations clearly to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Direct experience standing up or significantly expanding a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning, safety program development, and regulatory coordination.
Familiarity with hypergolic propellant handling requirements for NTO, MMH, UDMH, or similar propellants, including material compatibility, PPE, and secondary containment.
Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion test standards, NASA-STD-5012, ASME B31.3, NFPA 55, or equivalent.
Experience scaling a propulsion team during a high-growth or startup phase.
Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one.

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $140,000 to $250,000

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—Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test sites.
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. #LI-Onsite

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 know.

To protect candidates and our company from application fraud and impersonation, we use third-party tools to verify applicant identity and detect fraudulent applications. Learn more in our Privacy Notice.

About the company

True Anomaly builds spacecraft and mission software for US and allied defense organizations operating in space. Its Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle carries sensors that detect, track and image other spacecraft, then maneuvers to perform rendezvous and proximity operations. Operators use Mosaic to plan missions, simulate maneuvers, send commands and review data from satellites and ground systems while retaining control over autonomous actions. The company develops and manufactures its hardware in the United States and supplies spacecraft, payloads and software through defense programs and contracts. True Anomaly was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series D

Total Funding

$1B

Headquarters

Denver, Colorado

Founded

2022

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Flight testing reached a milestone: in June 2026, True Anomaly reported achieving all MX-3 test objectives.
Delivery capital increased: April 2026 financing raised $650 million, including debt, for spacecraft and software expansion.
Family healthcare is covered: True Anomaly lists fully employer-sponsored healthcare for employees and dependents.

What critics are saying

Ground software leadership restricts eligibility: its current Chief Engineer role requires US citizenship and eligibility for DoD Secret clearance.
GEO delivery remains ahead: September 2026's GHOST-R selection requires new spacecraft, joint operations and eventual government handover.
Customer diversification is narrow: True Anomaly says it builds exclusively for national security, tying demand to defense procurement.

What makes True Anomaly unique

Operators shaped the business: its founders served in Air Force spacecraft operations and orbital warfare training.
Payload flexibility is designed in: Jackal uses modular mission hardpoints for different sensors and effectors.
Deployment spans secure environments: Mosaic runs as modular services on cloud, local and air-gapped networks.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

-6%

2 year growth

-7%

Hoodline

Oct 8th, 2026

Denver startups draw $650M as Boulder's Techstars accelerator makes local comeback

Denver-area startups attracted significant venture capital from July through September, with defence technology firm True Anomaly announcing a $650 million Series D round in April anchoring the quarter's activity. The regional investment surge occurred as the broader North American venture market tilted heavily toward artificial intelligence. Roughly two-thirds of total startup funding went to AI-focused companies, with investors deploying $92 billion across seed- through growth-stage rounds in the third quarter. Meanwhile, startup accelerator Techstars reinstated its Boulder programme after ending it previously. The rebooted version relies on local investors and mentors rather than the broader Techstars network to support startups. The investment activity marks a potential turning point for Colorado's startup community, which has been rebuilding since the pandemic disrupted its event scene and venture ecosystem.

SatNews

Sep 30th, 2026

True Anomaly selected as title sponsor for Spacepower Conference 2026.

True Anomaly selected as title sponsor for Spacepower Conference 2026. September 30, 2026 Orlando, Florida - On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Space Force Association announced space defense technology provider True Anomaly as the primary title sponsor for the upcoming Spacepower Conference 2026. Scheduled to take place December 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando, the annual gathering serves as a primary operational and technology forum for senior leadership across the U.S. Space Force, national security space agencies, allied defense partners, and commercial industrial base primes. The announcement coincides with a period of expanded operational execution and capital growth for True Anomaly, following its recent completion of a Series D funding round and technical demonstrations in support of Department of Defense (DoD) space domain awareness (SDA) and tactically responsive space (TacRS) directives. Operational integration across tacrs and orbital defense. True Anomaly's sponsorship reflects its position as a hardware and software prime contractor within the national security space sector. The company's core technology roadmap aligns directly with U.S. Space Force priorities surrounding dynamic space operations, space superiority maneuvers, and rapid threat response. Earlier this year, True Anomaly achieved a major technical milestone by executing its role in the U.S. Space Force's high-visibility mission Space Force and True Anomaly Complete First Tactical Intercept of VICTUS HAZE Mission. During the operational sequence, True Anomaly's JACKAL-0004 satellite successfully intercepted and conducted close-range rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) around an uncooperative target satellite in low Earth orbit within 61 hours of the alert order, demonstrating automated characterization capabilities on compressed tactical timelines. Additionally, the company continues work as a prime contractor on missile defense architecture studies, including candidate concept development for the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) initiative under the DoD's broader missile defense shield framework. Autonomous platform infrastructure and mission architecture. True Anomaly's operational fleet relies on two tightly integrated core products engineered specifically for space superiority and domain awareness operations: * Jackal Autonomous Spacecraft: A specialized, high-delta-V satellite chassis engineered for responsive maneuvers, orbital plane changes, and close-range multi-aspect imaging of uncooperative space assets. * Mosaic Operating System: A proprietary multi-vehicle command-and-control (C2) software platform that translates commander intent into real-time autonomous trajectory guidance and sensor tracking routines. By integrating autonomous flight engines with high-thrust propulsion configurations, the system reduces operator workload during multi-satellite tracking engagements, enabling real-time orbital characterization in contested environments. Defense leadership perspective on space warfare readiness. "The threat environment in space is evolving faster than at any point in history, requiring industry and warfighters to work side-by-side to deploy decisive capabilities at operational speed," said Even Rogers, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of True Anomaly. "Sponsoring the Spacepower Conference provides a critical platform to align commercial innovation directly with Space Force acquisition goals, ensuring our forces maintain absolute space domain awareness and deterrence across every orbital shell." Event focus areas and industry convening timeline. The Spacepower Conference 2026 will focus on operationalizing rapid launch pathways, securing distributed space architectures against anti-satellite (ASAT) threats, and scaling commercial procurement frameworks, such as the Space Force's $6.2 billion Andromeda program. Detailed operational panels, technical demonstrations, and executive keynotes involving defense acquisition leads and industry partners will continue through the event's conclusion on December 10, 2026.

ExecutiveGov

Sep 22nd, 2026

True Anomaly, Northrop Grumman secure contracts to develop GHOST-R GEO reconnaissance prototypes.

True Anomaly, Northrop Grumman secure contracts to develop GHOST-R GEO reconnaissance prototypes. * GHOST-R will use commercially developed spacecraft and electro-optical payloads for GEO reconnaissance * The prototypes are scheduled to launch directly into geostationary Earth orbit by 2028 * Northrop Grumman will use its ESPASat-L spacecraft for its GHOST-R prototype The Defense Innovation Unit and Space Systems Command have awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly to develop reconnaissance prototypes under the GHOST-R program, with launch directly to geostationary Earth orbit scheduled by 2028, SSC said Friday. Table of Contents What is the GHOST-R program? GHOST-R is designed to provide high-resolution space-to-space imagery for characterizing resident space objects in geostationary orbit. The effort uses commercially developed space vehicles, buses and electro-optical payloads to support reconnaissance missions. The program is being developed in support of SSC's RG-XX office, which is pursuing lower-cost, reconnaissance-focused satellites for its constellation. The effort follows a May solicitation in which DIU sought commercially developed systems capable of producing high-resolution imagery of objects in GEO, with an initial prototype target of 24 months. How will GHOST-R transition to operational missions? The prototypes are expected to transition to government-owned and operated missions for the U.S. Space Force by 2029. Successful prototypes will have a path toward transition into the program of record, according to SSC. DIU's original solicitation called for the system to transition from commercial ownership and operation to government ownership and operation within 36 months. The DIU-SSC partnership uses a customer-and-accelerator model that relies on rapid prototyping to develop capabilities for the RG-XX program. The approach is intended to streamline standard defense acquisition processes and shorten the time needed to field prototype capabilities. The companies developing the prototypes will use proven commercial buses and integrate electro-optical payloads into the reconnaissance vehicles. Northrop Grumman will use its ESPASat-L spacecraft platform for its GHOST-R prototype and incorporate optical payloads from TRL-11. Col. Bryon McClain, acting portfolio acquisition executive for Space Combat Power, said the approach is intended to address technical risk and lifecycle costs while providing reconnaissance capabilities to the warfighter.

Washington Technology

Aug 20th, 2026

Castelion, Muon Space complete Series C funding rounds.

Castelion, Muon Space complete Series C funding rounds. Stay Connected Find opportunities - and win them. August 20, 2026 02:05 PM ET Both startups are using their newfound capital to accelerate production of their hypersonic weapons and satellites. This three-year-old maker of hypersonic strike missiles has completed a $1 billion Series C capital raise to aid its transition into scaled production of these weapons and efforts to expand the product portfolio. For Castelion, this new financing round follows its $350 million Series C that closed in December and an 18-month period where the company has booked $500 million in U.S. military contracts. JPMorgan Chase's Strategic Investment Group, which is part of the banking giant's Security and Resiliency Initiative, Andreesen Horowitz and The Carlyle Group acted as co-leads for the Castelion Series C equity financing. Lightspeed Venture Partners, Lavrock Ventures, Altimeter, General Catalyst and Interlagos joined new investor T. Rowe Price Associates in the raise. Castelion now touts its valuation at around $13 billion following the Series C, which includes $800 million in equity capital and a $250 million revolving credit facility. Castelion's flagship system is the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, for which the Navy placed a $23.4 million firm-fixed-price order in June for 50 prototypes. In May, the Defense Department signed a testing-and-validation agreement with Castelion to lay down a framework for purchasing at least 500 Blackbeard missiles per year over up to five years. The Pentagon's pact with Castelion is part of a military-wide push to speed up the development and advancement of hypersonic weapons, which China and Russia have also prioritized. Hypersonics also depend on munitions, a segment of defense manufacturing under stress from conflicts in places like Ukraine and Russia. In addition to Blackbeard, Castelion will use the newfound capital to speed up its work on a new precision strike weapon and systems for air and missile defense. Bryon Hargis, Castelion's chief executive and a co-founder, told CNBC in an interview aired Thursday described the company as "following the model of what the country used to do in the Apollo era." Muon Space This five-year-old maker of small satellites has completed a $250 million Series C capital raise to aid its efforts at accelerating production of larger-scale constellations and expanding dual-use spacecraft. For Muon, this new financing round follows its $146 million Series C round completed in the summer of 2025. Muon has launched seven satellites so far this year, a run that brings its total number of deployments to 11 satellites with plans for 13 more over the next 12 months. Muon touts 50 customer satellites as currently in production and is pushing toward a production cadence of 500 birds per year. In addition to production, Muon also plans to use a portion of the newfound capital for investments in new capabilities such as orbital artificial intelligence computing. Eclipse Capital led the Series C round for Muon in the same year that the investment firm also co-led True Anomaly's $650 million Series D. Muon's new investors include Galvanize, Google, Salesforce Ventures, Wellington Management, I Squared Capital and Woven Capital. Existing investors returning to the fold for Muon include Radical Ventures, Congruent Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Activate Capital, ACME Capital, ArcTern Ventures and Overlap Holdings. Muon designs its satellites to operate in low-Earth orbit while collecting and distributing Earth intelligence data for government and commercial entities. The company's federal portfolio includes a second-stage contract with the National Reconnaissance Office, which they signed in May to aid the further development and eventual deployment of the Halo satellite. Muon is also one of 14 companies involved in NASA's Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition contract, which the agency uses to expand the availability of Earth observation data across scientific communities.

NorthStar Earth & Space

Aug 4th, 2026

NorthStar appoints Matthew Linton as Chief Legal Officer.

NorthStar appoints Matthew Linton as Chief Legal Officer. Experienced space and national security legal executive will support the company's global expansion. Montreal, Canada, August 4th, 2026, - NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. ("NorthStar"), a global leader in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) with headquarters in Montreal and operations in the United States and Europe, today announced the appointment of Matthew Linton as Chief Legal Officer, Board Secretary, and Head of Human Resources. Linton will help strengthen the company's operational foundation as it continues to scale the enterprise to deliver services to government and commercial clients. He brings extensive experience advising companies across the space and national security sectors. Throughout his career, he has advised emerging space companies on complex commercial, regulatory, and governance matters while supporting the development and execution of satellite missions and strategic government partnerships. "Space is now the first line of defence and NorthStar has established itself as a pioneer in space-based monitoring and intelligence," said Linton. "As space becomes increasingly important to national security and global resilience, the ability to see, understand, and act on what is happening in orbit is essential. I look forward to working alongside an exceptional team, strengthening the partnerships that safeguard this increasingly vital domain, and to helping NorthStar deliver on its mission." Previously, Linton served as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at True Anomaly, a defence space technology company, where he helped shape the legal and regulatory framework supporting its national security and commercial space missions "We are very pleased to welcome Matt to NorthStar's management team," said Stewart Bain, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar. "His legal, regulatory, and sector experience will be important as NorthStar continue to grow and deliver trusted space intelligence to government and commercial customers." About NorthStar Earth & Space NorthStar Earth & Space is a space intelligence and data analytics company. NorthStar is the first commercial enterprise to launch dedicated spacecraft that continuously scan, detect, and track the behaviour of satellites from space. NorthStar offers commercial and defence customers Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and 24/7 Space Domain Awareness (SDA) services. NorthStar's patented Space Information & Intelligence (Si2) Platform combines a robust system architecture, AI, edge computing, and diverse observation sources with its dedicated sensors to detect threats as they occur and evolve in-orbit. This highly differentiated service provides early detection, tracking, and custody of emerging space threats to enable decision makers to measure and assess alternative responses. With global headquarters in Montreal, Canada, a European HQ in Luxembourg, and a dedicated U.S. operation in McLean, Virginia. NorthStar supports mission critical operations with key defence and civil clients including the Royal Canadian Armed Forces' (RCAF) - 3 Canadian Space Division (3 CSD), the US Space Force Joint Commercial Operations, DARPA, the Luxembourg Space Agency, and the European Space Agency and others.

True Anomaly

Engineering Manager - Propulsion Development and Test

About the job