Full-Time

Chief Architect

Missile Defense Software

Posted on 8/20/2025

True Anomaly

True Anomaly

201-500 employees

Develops autonomous orbital vehicles and software

Compensation Overview

$220k - $290k/yr

+ Equity

Long Beach, CA, USA + 1 more

More locations: Denver, CO, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid work model; some on-site work required near Denver, CO and Long Beach, CA.

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance, Canada Citizenship, Canada Top Secret Clearance, UK Citizenship, UK Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Engineering Management (1)
Required Skills
Data Structures & Algorithms
Requirements
  • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 15+ years of experience in large-scale, mission-critical software systems, with at least 5 years in a chief architect or equivalent role
  • Proven track record architecting real-time command-and-control (C2) or fire control systems for defense, aerospace, or comparable domains
  • Deep expertise in distributed systems, autonomy, and real-time decision-making architectures
  • Experience with DoD software standards, cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, Zero Trust), and mission assurance processes
  • Strong knowledge of networking, middleware, and high-availability architectures for space and ground systems
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in high-stakes environments
  • U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret
Responsibilities
  • Define and own the end-to-end software architecture for the Common Ground Element and Fire Control Element, spanning mission planning, engagement management, decision logic, and interceptor command/telemetry
  • Develop and enforce architectural principles for scalability, resiliency, security, and autonomy across the CGE–FCE ecosystem
  • Ensure interoperability with space-based interceptors, host satellites, and broader command-and-control systems
  • Architect modular frameworks that enable multi-vendor integration and rapid evolution of algorithms, ensuring vendor-agnostic interfaces
  • Lead the technical baseline for real-time fire control software, including adaptive weapon–target pairing, in-flight target updates, and distributed kill chain execution
  • Direct the design and implementation of data pipelines, including telemetry ingestion, decision-making algorithms, and mission visualization
  • Oversee cybersecurity architecture aligned with RMF and mission assurance standards
  • Drive integration of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and operational prototypes to validate software against high-fidelity raid scenarios
  • Act as the senior technical authority across software teams, guiding principal engineers and system integrators
  • Collaborate with systems engineering, mission operations, and hardware development teams to ensure a unified engineering baseline
  • Interface directly with government stakeholders, industry partners, and subcontractors to align technical decisions with mission objectives
  • Mentor engineering staff, cultivating a culture of rigor, innovation, and accountability
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with missile defense systems, battle management systems, or space-based C2 architectures
  • Familiarity with hypersonic defense engagement timelines and associated fire control challenges
  • Hands-on knowledge of AI/ML-enabled autonomy, simulation frameworks, and digital twin architectures
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
  • TS/SCI clearance

True Anomaly provides an integrated space defense platform blending spacecraft manufacturing, software, and AI for space security. Its flagship Jackal autonomous orbital vehicles perform rendezvous and proximity operations, supported by training, simulation, and mission-control software. The full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and AI, and focuses on government and allied customers with contracts like the U.S. Space Force and programs such as Victus Haze. The goal is to improve space situational awareness and provide controllable, defense-ready tools for orbital operations.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$1.1B

Headquarters

Denver, Colorado

Founded

2022

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Prime contractor on $3.2 billion Space-Based Interceptor Program for Golden Dome.
  • DoD allocated $20 billion to space control in 2026, highest growth area.
  • Dozen missions scheduled over 18 months including VICTUS HAZE with Rocket Lab.

What critics are saying

  • Fragmented $3.2B contract among dozen primes dilutes True Anomaly's funding share.
  • Rocket Lab execution failures on VICTUS HAZE damage True Anomaly's Space Force credibility.
  • Aggressive 500-employee hiring by end-2026 risks talent dilution and product delivery delays.

What makes True Anomaly unique

  • Only pure-play space defense contractor focused exclusively on combat capabilities.
  • Jackal autonomous spacecraft performs rendezvous and proximity operations at scale.
  • Vertical integration from manufacturing through mission autonomy software and AI.

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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

-4%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-10%
Ars Technica
Mar 19th, 2026
True Anomaly raises $400M to build agile Jackal spacecraft for Space Force warfare

True Anomaly, a space warfare startup founded in 2022 by former Air Force officer Even Rogers, has raised $400 million to develop combat-ready satellites. The company's flagship Jackal spacecraft is designed for agility and manoeuvrability in orbit, resembling a flying fuel tank equipped with thrusters and sensors. The startup focuses exclusively on US military contracts and has already secured Space Force business, including the Victus Haze responsive space demonstration launching later this year. True Anomaly has launched three Jackal test missions, with a fourth planned soon. The company has won contracts for the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defence shield and appears well-positioned for the Space Force's RG-XX satellite inspection programme. Rogers compares space warfare's current state to air superiority in the 1930s, noting that "dogfighting in space doesn't quite have the drama of an aerial dogfight.

KRCR-TV
Nov 17th, 2025
Gov. Newsom unveils $100M plan to grow California manufacturing

Gov. Newsom unveils $100M plan to grow California manufacturing. STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters after he participated in a fireside chat at the California Economic Summit on October 22, 2025 in Stockton, California. Gov. Newsom answered questions about the Trump administration's plans to deploy border patrol officers and the National Guard to San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) SACRAMENTO - California is investing nearly $100 million to help grow manufacturing and create thousands of new jobs across the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that nine companies will receive state tax credits to expand their work in areas like aerospace, electronics, clean technology and food production. In return, the companies are expected to create 2,752 new jobs, with many paying well above the state average, and bring in more than $370 million in private investment. State officials say the goal is to strengthen industries that are important to California's economy and keep good-paying jobs in the state. Manufacturing already plays a major role, employing more than a million workers and producing hundreds of billions of dollars in economic output each year. "California's global leadership in innovation and manufacturing continues to set us apart. Through programs like CalCompetes, we're attracting companies and helping them grow successfully in our state, creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for Californians," Gov. Newsom said. FILE - A view of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Juliana Yamada, File) The companies receiving support include businesses making satellite parts, airplane components, vitamins, wastewater equipment and even seaweed-based snacks. Some of the largest expansions include more than 600 new aerospace jobs, hundreds of tech-related manufacturing jobs in the Bay Area, and more than 700 new positions at a clothing company's headquarters. The latest round of CalCompetes awards includes several major corporate expansions: * Atomic Machines Inc. will invest $156.3 million to expand micro-electromechanical system manufacturing across Santa Clara, Emeryville and the East Bay, adding 305 jobs. * Bright Machines will invest $62.9 million to scale its data-center infrastructure manufacturing in Fremont, creating 295 jobs. * Hadrian Automation, Inc. plans to create 650 aerospace manufacturing jobs with a $52 million investment in Torrance and Northern California facilities. * Bella Phytologic will invest $33 million to expand vitamin and supplement production in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. * Gimme Health Foods Inc. will establish a seaweed-based snack manufacturing facility in Madera, expand its San Rafael headquarters, and add 102 jobs through a $20 million investment. * Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC will invest $18 million to grow its diagnostic and measurement device manufacturing in Hollister. * Community Infrastructure Investment Group, Inc. will put $12.8 million toward a new wastewater-treatment equipment manufacturing facility in Fresno. * True Anomaly will expand its Long Beach satellite manufacturing operations, creating 400 jobs with a $12.7 million investment. * Color Image Apparel will add 774 jobs by expanding its Beverly Hills headquarters through a $2.5 million investment. "These companies represent the next generation of California innovation," said Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to the governor and director of GO-Biz. "From advanced manufacturing to clean technology, these investments strengthen the industries that define our economy and accelerate inclusive, economic growth across the state." According to the Governor's Office, these investments will help the state stay competitive, grow local economies and give more Californians access to well-paying careers.

State of California
Nov 17th, 2025
Governor Newsom announces nearly $100M to accelerate California's manufacturing industry and drive job creation

Governor Newsom announces nearly $100M to accelerate California's manufacturing industry and drive job creation. What you need to know: The state is awarding nearly $100 million in California Competes Tax Credits to nine companies expanding headquarters and manufacturing operations, creating thousands of new jobs and spurring more than $370 million in capital investment across the state as part of the California Jobs First initiative. SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) awarded $99.9 million in California Competes Tax Credits (CalCompetes) to nine innovative companies across the state. These awards will support an estimated creation of 2,752 new jobs with an average weighted annual salary of $139,000, and will bring in more than $370 million in new private investment. California's global leadership in innovation and manufacturing continues to set us apart. Through programs like CalCompetes, we're attracting companies and helping them grow successfully in our state, creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for Californians. Governor Gavin Newsom This round of CalCompetes awards supports a diverse range of manufacturers, spanning sectors including aerospace, wastewater treatment, and microelectronics. Manufacturing, identified as both a "strengthen" and "accelerate" sector within the state's Economic Blueprint, powers innovation in California unlike any other state, delivering $405.6 billion in output in 2024 and employing more than 1.24 million workers. Through the below awards, the state is investing in the workforce, infrastructure and innovation that drive the growth of this critically important sector: * Atomic Machines Inc. is investing $156.3 million to expand micro-electromechanical system manufacturing facilities in Santa Clara, Emeryville and the Greater East Bay Area, creating 305 new jobs. * Bright Machines is scaling their data center infrastructure manufacturing facility with a $62.9 million investment, creating 295 jobs in Fremont. * Hadrian Automation, Inc. is creating 650 jobs and investing $52 million in Torrance and Northern California to expand their aerospace component manufacturing. * Bella Phytologic is investing $33 million in its Santa Rosa and Sonoma County vitamin and supplement manufacturing facilities. * Gimme Health Foods Inc. will establish a seaweed food and snack manufacturing facility in Madera, expand its San Rafael HQ, and create 102 jobs along with a $20 million investment. * Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC is investing $18 million to expand its diagnostic and measurement device manufacturing facility in Hollister. * Community Infrastructure Investment Group, Inc. will invest $12.8 million to establish its wastewater treatment equipment manufacturing facility in Fresno. * True Anomaly will expand its satellite manufacturing facilities in Long Beach, creating 400 jobs along with a $12.7 million investment. * Color Image Apparel, a clothing design and manufacturer, will expand its Beverly Hills headquarters, adding 774 jobs and making $2.5 million in investments. "These companies represent the next generation of California innovation," said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz. "From advanced manufacturing to clean technology, these investments strengthen the industries that define our economy and accelerate inclusive, economic growth across the state." To date, CalCompetes has awarded tax credits to more than 1,200 businesses committed to creating nearly 160,000 full-time jobs based in California and generating over $50 billion in private investment in the state. California Jobs First: A bold plan, realized locally. In February, Governor Newsom released the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint - a new economic vision for California's future. The Blueprint, which is being implemented by the nine state agencies on the California Jobs First Council, outlines key initiatives to support regional growth, invest in 21st century job training, create an attractive environment for job creators and strengthen California's innovation economy - all to help increase access to good-paying jobs for Californians. California's economic strength. California is not only a national economic powerhouse - it is driving the future. The state is one of the world's largest economies, feeds the country and leads the nation in new business starts, venture capital investment, manufacturing, and agriculture. With an increasing population and record-high tourism spending, California's economy continues to grow across key regions and sectors - proving that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.

Ranzware
Sep 24th, 2025
Building the new backbone of space at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, True Anomaly's Even Rogers and Vast's Max Haot will join the Space Stage to explore what's needed to unlock a sustainable and scalable space economy.

GovCon Wire
Sep 3rd, 2025
True Anomaly Appoints Former York Space VP Sarah Walter as Chief Operating Officer

True Anomaly, a space and defense technology company, has named former York Space executive Sarah Walter as its chief operating officer.

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