Technical Program Manager, On-Orbit Tests

True Anomaly • Denver, CO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

True Anomaly is hiring a Technical Program Manager for On-Orbit Tests to lead end-to-end integration of a major on-orbit demonstration of an integrated spacecraft. The role serves as Lead Integrator and the primary execution arm, responsible for planning through test execution. It is the weekly interface with the customer test team, translating external requirements and requests into internal actions and driving them to closure. The role also serves as the primary interface with external Government Test Ranges and officials at test venues supporting the ground-testing confidence campaign.

The position coordinates technical and programmatic teams, including engineering, test, ground systems, launch, supply chain, range operations, and planning. As the responsible Test Campaign Mission Manager, under the direction of the Sr. TPM of Missile Defense Space System Development, the role drives day-to-day test readiness and cross-functional coordination to ensure systems, teams, and environments are prepared for safe and effective execution. The role provides regular leadership updates and escalates critical risks, issues, and decisions, serving as the on-the-ground leader for test execution.

The position is based near Denver or Colorado Springs in a hybrid work environment, with some work required onsite and an estimated 15–20% travel to test sites. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise satisfy the stated export-control eligibility requirements, and must be able to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 7 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or complex system testing environments.
• Experience integrating and leading cross-functional teams in high-tempo, high-consequence environments, including ground and/or flight test campaigns.
• Strong understanding of test operations, including test planning, readiness reviews, and execution discipline.
• Ability to perform mission campaign management at scale, including structured processes and prioritization, dependency and critical-path management, schedule and risk management, and driving multiple concurrent efforts to closure.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across engineering, operations, customers, industry partners, and other external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in dynamic test environments.
• Experience owning delivery for teams the candidate does not manage, using cadence, visibility, and escalation rather than reporting lines.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and rigorous safety and mission assurance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and drive execution across multiple parallel test efforts.
• Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence for program tracking and documentation.
• Comfort operating in a matrixed structure, applying a defined program or portfolio methodology while taking day-to-day priorities from an embedded team.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.
• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
• Must be located near Denver or Colorado Springs; some work must be performed onsite.
• Must meet applicable U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Active TS or TS//SCI security clearance.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or higher) in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.
• Experience with missile systems, launch vehicles, or high-performance flight systems.
• Strong understanding of translating engineering requirements into executable test procedures and plans.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing integrated system tests, ground and/or flight.
• Prior experience as a test conductor, test director, or in a similar role during live test operations.
• Familiarity with government or commercial test-range operations and coordination.
• Experience with telemetry, instrumentation systems, and data acquisition for flight or ground tests.
• Background in guidance, navigation and control (GNC), propulsion, or integrated vehicle systems.
• Experience leading or supporting Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs), or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience with configuration management and test article control in a development or production environment.
• High growth potential with a demonstrated leadership trajectory toward senior test or program leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end integration of critical technology development on-orbit test campaigns.
• Drive schedule, technical, and cost performance for major program development milestones; identify execution risks and lead mitigation strategies.
• Plan, integrate, and execute test plans, aligning vehicle readiness, ground infrastructure, range availability, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate across Engineering, Production & Integration, Supply Chain, Program Management, senior leadership, customers, and other external stakeholders.
• Manage test facility and range coordination and logistics planning for technical and programmatic needs.
• Establish execution cadence, status tracking, and accountability for recurring and milestone-driven work.
• Coordinate with the customer test team at least weekly, relay requirements and requests internally, and drive them to closure.
• Serve as the primary interface with external Government Test Ranges and officials at test venues.
• Drive day-to-day test readiness and cross-functional coordination as the Test Campaign Mission Manager.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership and escalate critical risks, issues, and decision points.
• Following test events, ensure data integrity and completeness; lead post-test assessments with engineering, including anomaly identification and triage, and deliver finalized data products to internal and customer leadership.
• Travel to test sites as required, estimated at 15–20% of the time.

Benefits

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, with HSA/HRA options.
• Flexible Time Off for exempt employees.
• Accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Sick leave.
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Dog Fridays.
• Equity participation as part of total compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior