Aerospace, Defense, Space Technology, SaaS

Staff Propulsion Engineer

Denver, COOnsiteFull TimeStaff$185,000–$280,000 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

Propulsion Systems
Spacecraft
Satellites
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Stage Systems
Rocket Engines
Flight Valves
Fluid System Architecture
Propulsion Test

Nice to have

Master’s degree
Development and Production
Project Leadership
Valve Design
Propellant Tank Design
Mechanical Design

Role summary

True Anomaly is seeking a Staff Propulsion Development Engineer to design, build, and test spacecraft propulsion systems. This role involves technical expertise, mentorship, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Responsibilities include system design, analysis, optimization, and testing, ensuring performance and reliability requirements are met. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 10+ years of experience in launch or space vehicles, including demonstrated experience with stage systems, rocket engines, fluid systems, and propulsion testing. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and project leadership experience.

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 a Staff 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 spacecraft. 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.

10+ 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.

10+ years professional experience in development and production of space systems.

5+ 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: $185,000-$280,000

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— This is a fully onsite role at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver office daily. For exceptionally qualified candidates who live outside a reasonable commuting distance of our Centennial or Long Beach offices, remote work within the U.S. may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and approval. Remote eligibility is not guaranteed and will be confirmed at the offer stage. Remote employees are expected to travel to a primary office about once a month. Any remote work must be performed from an approved location within the U.S. meeting the Company's security requirements.

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 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.

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Staff Propulsion Engineer

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Required skills

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