Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space Based Interceptors, Staff
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, primarily on Space Based Interceptors, hypersonic vehicle, or high-performance flight system programs.
- Demonstrated expertise in flight vehicle structural design for high-dynamic-pressure, thermally coupled, and high-g flight environments, including work across multiple interceptor, kill vehicle, or re-entry system programs.
- Hands-on experience with guidance and seeker packaging architecture, including precision optical or RF sensor integration, alignment and retention design, vibration isolation, and electromagnetic interference management within kill vehicle or interceptor envelopes.
- Experience with thermal protection system design and high-temperature materials, including ablative, ceramic, and composite systems, and ownership of qualification approaches for hypersonic or re-entry applications.
- Experience leading mechanical integration of propulsion subsystems, including solid rocket motor interfaces, divert and attitude control system packaging, and thrust vector control structural design, with cross-discipline coordination responsibility.
- Proficiency in Siemens NX and/or SolidWorks, including complex multi-subsystem vehicle assemblies, configuration management, and computer-aided design team leadership.
- Mastery of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing principles, with experience defining and enforcing drawing and model standards across a program or organization.
- A record of leading flight vehicle hardware programs from concept through test or flight certification, including ownership of technical risk and schedule.
- Experience chairing or leading formal vehicle design reviews at the subsystem or full vehicle level.
- Familiarity with relevant defense and aerospace standards, including MIL-SPEC, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, and AIAA S-110, and their application to design, analysis, and test.
- Experience with configuration management, manufacturing execution system and product lifecycle management tools such as TeamCenter and Windchill at a program leadership level.
- Ability to communicate complex technical topics to executive, program, and customer audiences in written, verbal, and presentation formats.
- An active U.S. security clearance at the Secret or TS/SCI level, or ability and willingness to obtain one.
- Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
- Successful candidates must be located near Denver or Long Beach.
- Serve as technical authority and subject matter expert in Space Based Interceptors and hypersonic vehicle mechanical design, providing engineering leadership across interceptor, kill vehicle, and hypersonic flight vehicle programs.
- Own and drive the full mechanical architecture of flight vehicle structures and systems, from system-level requirements definition and concept development through qualification, flight certification, and lessons learned capture.
- Define structural design philosophy, sizing criteria, and margins of safety for flight vehicle primary and secondary structures across high-dynamic-pressure, high-g maneuver, and thermally coupled hypersonic flight environments.
- Lead the design and development of guidance, navigation, and control hardware and seeker packaging architectures, establishing integration standards for precision optical and radio frequency sensor assemblies within constrained kill vehicle and interceptor envelopes.
- Own the thermal protection system design strategy for hypersonic and re-entry flight vehicles, including material selection, panel and tile integration architecture, aeroheating-driven structural trades, and qualification approach for ablative, ceramic, and composite systems.
- Lead mechanical integration of propulsion subsystems, including solid rocket motor structural interfaces, divert and attitude control system packaging, nozzle and thrust vector control structural design, and coordination with propulsion engineers to ensure system-level compliance.
- Define and maintain vehicle-level mechanical interface control documents, mass properties reports, and configuration baselines across program milestones.
- Chair and lead formal vehicle design reviews, including system requirements, preliminary design, critical design, test readiness, and flight readiness reviews, and drive closure of technical risks, requests for information, and subsystem interface actions across the engineering team.
- Establish and enforce geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards, drawing conventions, and computer-aided design model management practices across the mechanical engineering team.
- Collaborate with systems engineering, aerodynamics, thermal, guidance, navigation and control, and propulsion teams to derive and flow down mechanical requirements, perform requirements verification, and support independent verification and validation activities.
- Develop and approve structural and environmental qualification and acceptance test plans, witness testing, and resolve anomalies and non-conformances against program requirements.
- Apply spacecraft and space-environment design expertise, including precision mechanisms, electronics packaging, and launch-load structural design, to cross-domain solutions for Space Based Interceptors and hypersonic programs.
- Provide technical mentorship and career development guidance to junior and mid-level mechanical engineers, building team capability and domain expertise in Space Based Interceptors and hypersonic systems.
- Partner with program management and business development to support proposal efforts, schedule and resource planning, and new program captures in Space Based Interceptors and hypersonic domains.
- A master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years of experience specifically in interceptor systems, kill vehicles, or hypersonic flight vehicle mechanical design, with multiple programs delivered to flight test or operational fielding.
- Experience as a lead mechanical engineer or chief engineer on a Space Based Interceptors or hypersonic program, with ownership of vehicle-level mechanical architecture and cross-subsystem integration.
- Experience with kill vehicle or hit-to-kill interceptor hardware, including ultra-mass-constrained structures, precision seeker alignment under vibration and thermal loading, and flight-critical deployment or divert mechanism design.
- Experience with hypersonic flight vehicle aeroshell design, including thermal protection system panel integration, structural joint design under aeroheating, and ablative material qualification.
- Background in spacecraft or satellite mechanical design, applying space-environment principles such as precision mechanisms, electronics packaging, and launch-load structures to Space Based Interceptors and hypersonic programs.
- Familiarity with structural analysis and finite element analysis methods, including NASTRAN and Ansys, and ability to guide and review analysis performed by the broader engineering team.
- Experience supporting business development, proposal writing, and new program captures in missile defense or hypersonic domains, including DARPA, Missile Defense Agency, or Air Force Research Laboratory programs.
- Background working in a startup or high-growth aerospace and defense company, with experience scaling engineering teams and processes under program constraints.
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
6 month growth
0%1 year growth
-6%2 year growth
-7%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.
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.
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.
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 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.