Engineering Manager, Electro-Optical Systems

True Anomaly•Denver, CO

1d•$180,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability. OUR MISSION The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all. 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 True Anomaly is seeking an innovative Electro-Optical Systems Engineering Manager to lead a small, agile team responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of high-performance, affordable optical systems for our seeker and autonomous orbital vehicles. This includes Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) suites, LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and other advanced EO/IR payloads. Reporting to the VP of New Product Engineering , this role encompasses deep technical contribution alongside people management and strategic product planning. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in electro-optical systems development, with a command of the state-of-the-art in the field and the judgment to evaluate vertically integrated versus COTS solutions with speed and confidence. You will work closely with Business Development and the Program Office to define and execute the company's EO systems roadmap, translating mission needs into fielded hardware that delivers real on-orbit capability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
10+ years of professional experience in electro-optical systems design and development for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications
Demonstrated experience with EO/IR imaging systems, including detector selection, optical design, and system-level performance modeling
Experience with proximity operations or seeker sensor architectures, LiDAR systems, or hyperspectral imaging payloads
Strong understanding of radiometric analysis, optical performance budgeting, and image quality assessment
Familiarity with SWaP-constrained design trade-offs for spacecraft payloads
Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and deliver complex hardware on schedule

Nice To Haves

Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant EO/IR detector and focal plane array technologies
Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, or similar
Experience with LiDAR system design, waveform processing, and point cloud generation
Knowledge of hyperspectral sensor design, calibration, and on-orbit data processing
Experience with thermal and structural analysis of optomechanical systems
Familiarity with CCSDS or other space telemetry standards for payload data downlink
Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

Responsibilities

Own the technical direction for EO/IR payload systems, including seekers, RPO sensor suites, LiDAR, and hyperspectral imaging systems
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of electro-optical engineers across the full payload development lifecycle
Oversee end-to-end EO systems development: requirements definition, optical and systems design, component selection, analysis, procurement, integration, and test
Evaluate and down-select between vertically integrated and COTS solutions based on performance, cost, schedule, and mission risk
Partner with the VP of New Product Engineering, Business Development, and Program Office to define and maintain the company's EO systems development roadmap
Develop and maintain optical performance budgets, including radiometric, signal-to-noise, and resolution analyses
Ensure payload designs meet mission requirements for reliability, thermal performance, radiation tolerance, and size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints
Manage schedules, budgets, staffing, and technical risk across multiple EO payload programs
Collaborate with avionics, systems engineering, GNC, and software teams to ensure seamless spacecraft integration
Drive compliance with applicable aerospace standards and lead design reviews with internal stakeholders and customers
Communicate product development status and issues with leadership and stakeholders