Aerospace, Defense, Space Technology, SaaS

Chief Engineer, Ground Software

Denver, COOnsiteFull TimeChief / Executive$190,000–$305,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

missile defense
aerospace engineering
autonomous re-entry vehicles
hypersonic GNC
heterogeneous agents
interceptors
spacecraft
ground software
real-time command and control
data pipelines

Nice to have

missile defense systems
battle management systems
space-based C2 architectures
hypersonic defense
fire control challenges
AI/ML-enabled autonomy

Role summary

True Anomaly is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the technical development of a next-generation missile defense program. This role involves architecting end-to-end ground segment solutions, defining and enforcing architectural principles for scalability, resiliency, security, and autonomy. Responsibilities include leading the technical baseline for real-time command and control systems, overseeing cybersecurity architecture, and driving integration of simulations. The Chief Engineer will act as the senior technical authority, collaborating with cross-functional teams and government stakeholders, and mentoring engineering staff. Requires an advanced degree, 15+ years in mission-critical software systems (5+ in chief architect role), and experience with C2/fire control systems, distributed systems, and cybersecurity frameworks like RMF.

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 lead the technical development and execution of a next-generation missile defense program. This is a generational opportunity to architect solutions to some of the most formidable challenges in aerospace engineering including autonomous re-entry vehicles, hypersonic GNC, and the orchestration of heterogeneous agents. You will be responsible for defining, guiding, and overseeing the engineering baseline across a novel missile-defense solution spanning interceptors, spacecraft, and ground software. It will fall to you to bring bold, creative solutions without sacrificing technical rigor, flawless execution, and mission success. At True Anomaly, this means shaping history, defining the technical playbook for how missile defense is achieved in space through engineering solutions that endure, inspire, and defend against tomorrow’s most formidable threats.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Architecture & Systems Leadership

Define and own the end-to-end ground segment architecture for a large-scale heterogenous C2 system including telemetry, alert management, engagement management, decision logic, and payload command/telemetry

Develop and enforce architectural principles for scalability, resiliency, security, and autonomy across the ground ecosystem

Ensure interoperability with third party host satellites, communication systems, and broader battle management

Architect modular frameworks that enable multi-vendor integration and rapid evolution of algorithms, ensuring vendor-agnostic interfaces

Technical Execution

Lead the technical baseline for real-time command and control system, including telemetry ingest, alert monitoring, burn plans, and tactical message relay

Direct the design and implementation of data pipelines, including telemetry ingestion, decision-making algorithms, and mission visualization

Oversee cybersecurity architecture aligned with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and mission assurance standards

Drive integration of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and operational prototypes to validate software against high-fidelity raid scenarios

Leadership & Collaboration

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

QUALIFICATIONS

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

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

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $190,000-$305,000

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 onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA location, with travel to other sites as needed.

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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Chief Engineer, Ground Software

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