Principal Propulsion Engineer

True Anomaly•Long Beach, CA

2d•$200,000 - $290,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Principal Propulsion Engineer at True Anomaly, you will be responsible for leading the architecture and team buildout for multiple propulsion systems including flight systems and ground test campaigns in the development of our spacecrafts. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
15+ years of professional experience
Demonstrated experience with propulsion systems and hardware such as; rocket engines, thrusters, valves, pumps, tanks, orifices, etc.
Operational experience including aerospace build, integration, test processes.
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.
U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (advanced degrees count toward years of experience)
5+ years direct team leadership experience; mentoring junior engineers, planning projects, coordinating day to day tasking
Valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing experience
Mechanical design for propulsion systems, mechanisms, and/or optical payloads.
Familiarity with propulsion test including hot-fire, cold flow, leak/checkout testing.
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.
Ability to maintain or obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of propulsion systems and components for advanced satellites and space vehicles, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements.
Support spacecraft propulsion design and build from concept to flight. Lead robust trades studies to define propulsion architecture and select components
Build propulsion team skillsets and capabilities, including new design initiatives, staff planning and hiring, and direct mentorship.
Develop best practices across engineering team including analysis tools, checklists, process documentation, and design release templates.
Review models and drawings, provide direct feedback and broader mentoring advice.
Support planning of build/assembly and test campaigns.
Work collaboratively with structural, mechanical, thermal, and avionics teams to define interfaces, optimize system and ensure compliance with mission requirements.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design efficiency, manufacturability, and system performance.