Director, Propulsion Engineering

YOUR MISSION

As Director of Propulsion Engineering at True Anomaly, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of next-generation propulsion systems across our spacecraft and missile defense portfolio. You will own the technical vision for propulsion from early concepts through flight while coordinating the future of our propulsion testing strategy. You will also drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, including metal additive manufacturing, to accelerate development timelines and unlock novel design solutions. This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of deep propulsion expertise, rigorous test operations, and cutting-edge manufacturing innovation. 

• 15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or advanced defense propulsion systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or people management role. 
• Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems development across the full lifecycle — from concept and design through integration, test, and flight operations. 
• Deep expertise in fluid system design and analysis including rocket engines, flight valves, propellant tanks and pressurization systems. 
• Extensive propulsion test experience including hot-fire and pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, propellant loading, and test facility operations and safety management. 
• Proven track record of building, scaling, and leading high-performing propulsion engineering teams. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical content to senior leadership and external customers. 
• Passion for the space and defense industry and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible. 

• Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing for propulsion applications, including design for AM, process qualification, and flight certification of printed components. 
• Experience with valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing. 
• Familiarity with or direct experience overseeing a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning and safety program management. 
• Background in DoD space or missile defense propulsion programs. 
• Experience scaling a propulsion or aerospace engineering organization during a high-growth or startup phase. 
• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. 
• Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion standards, NASA-STD, or equivalent. 
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or the ability to obtain one. 

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance. 
• Work Location—Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test 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