Senior Propulsion Engineer
True AnomalySpace Defense company
Denver, United StatesMid
Accel
Meritech Capital
Menlo Ventures
Eclipse
Riot Ventures
645 Ventures
About the role
TL;DR
Senior Propulsion Engineer
- •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.
- •YOUR MISSION As a Senior 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 missile defense system.
- •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. 6+ 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. 5+ years professional experience in development and production of space systems. 2+ 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: $130,000-$210,000 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—while we observe a hybrid work environment, you will need to be onsite as the business needs require.
- •On an average week, you can expect to spend at least 4 days per week in office at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO.
- •Travel—employees can expect to travel up to 20% to our Long Beach factory and to vendor 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.
Required skills
Propulsion systems designPropulsion systems analysisPropulsion systems optimizationFluid system designFluid system analysisPressurization system sizingWater hammer analysisPressure budgetsFMECAFDIR architecturePropulsion testHot-fire testingPressure testingVehicle-level propulsion checkoutsPropellant loadingWritten communication skillsVerbal communication skills
Nice-to-have skills
Space systems developmentSpace systems productionProject leadership
Domain expertise
spacespace securityspace sustainabilitymissile defense
Benefits & perks
Equity, Health insurance, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Parental leave
Tech stack
GoAWS