True Anomaly

Builds spacecraft and software for space defense

Director – Space Vehicle Chief Engineers

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeCentennial, CO, USA

About the Job

Requirements

At least 18 years of full lifecycle aerospace or space systems experience, including leading major vehicle programs through design, test, and verification.
Demonstrated experience managing and developing technical leaders, including Chief Engineers or equivalent senior roles.
A deep systems engineering background and the ability to provide credible technical oversight across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
Proven ability to set technical strategy and engineering culture at an organizational level.
A strong track record translating business and mission objectives into engineering execution across a portfolio of programs.
A bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Department of Defense Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) or Top Secret/Special Access Program (TS/SAP) security clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Responsibilities

Build, develop, and lead a team of Chief Engineers responsible for the technical execution of next-generation space vehicle programs.
Serve as the senior technical authority across the space vehicle portfolio, setting engineering standards, cultivating technical leadership talent, and ensuring consistent, high-quality execution across multiple concurrent programs.
Shape the practice of chief engineering by establishing rigor, accountability, and a culture of sound engineering judgment that scales with the company.
Partner with Program Managers and senior leadership to align technical strategy with programmatic and business objectives across the portfolio.
Drive consistency in technical baseline management, design assurance, and readiness review practices across all programs.
Evaluate and calibrate the appropriate balance of rigor and analysis depth for each program's maturity and risk posture.
Represent the Chief Engineering function in customer, stakeholder, and executive engagements, communicating technical status, risks, and strategies clearly.
Recruit, grow, and retain engineering talent, building organizational depth in systems engineering and technical leadership.
Identify and resolve cross-program integration challenges, shared risks, and technical dependencies spanning multiple vehicles or subsystems.

Desired Qualifications

An advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
Experience as a Chief Engineer on a major defense or classified space program.
Demonstrated expertise establishing or scaling systems engineering organizations.
A background in range certification, test readiness reviews, and safety boards.
An active TS/SCI clearance.
Familiarity with Department of Defense and NASA mission standards, processes, and acquisition frameworks.
Experience working with government agencies, prime contractors, or subcontractors on space missions.

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

True Anomaly is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Engineer to build, develop and lead a team of Chief Engineers responsible for the technical execution of our next-generation space vehicle programs. In this role, you will serve as the senior technical authority across the space vehicle portfolio, setting engineering standards, cultivating technical leadership talent, and ensuring consistent, high-quality execution across multiple concurrent programs. You will shape how chief engineering is practiced at True Anomaly — instilling rigor, accountability, and a culture of sound engineering judgment that scales with the company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the responsibilities above, as the Director of this team, you will:

Partner with Program Managers and senior leadership to align technical strategy with programmatic and business objectives across the portfolio
Drive consistency in technical baseline management, design assurance, and readiness review practices across all programs
Evaluate and calibrate the balance of rigor and analysis depth appropriate to the maturity and risk posture of each program
Represent the Chief Engineering function in customer, stakeholder, and executive engagements, communicating technical status, risks, and strategies with clarity
Recruit, grow, and retain top engineering talent, building organizational depth in systems engineering and technical leadership
Identify and resolve cross-program integration challenges, shared risks, and technical dependencies that span multiple vehicles or subsystems

QUALIFICATIONS

18+ years of full lifecycle aerospace or space systems experience, including leading major vehicle programs through design, test, and verification
Demonstrated experience managing and developing technical leaders, including Chief Engineers or equivalent senior roles
Deep systems engineering background with the ability to provide credible technical oversight across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
Proven ability to set technical strategy and engineering culture at an organizational level
Strong track record translating business and mission objectives into engineering execution across a portfolio of programs
Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or related field
U.S. Citizen eligible for DoD TS/SCI or TS/SAP security clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
Experience as a Chief Engineer on a major defense or classified space program
Demonstrated expertise establishing or scaling systems engineering organizations
Background in range certification, test readiness reviews, and safety boards
Active TS/SCI clearance
Familiarity with DoD and NASA mission standards, processes, and acquisition frameworks
Experience working with government agencies, primes, or subcontractors on space missions

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $230,000-$315,000
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—this role will be fully onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO.
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 software for space defense

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: Centennial, CO
Founded: 2022

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