Chief Engineer, Ground Software

Posted An Hour Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
190K-305K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Delivering decisive capabilities for space superiority.
The Role
Lead the architecture and technical execution of a next-generation missile-defense ground software program. Own the end-to-end ground segment and real-time command-and-control baseline, including telemetry, alerts, engagement management, decision logic, data pipelines, visualization, and cybersecurity. Guide software teams, oversee simulation and hardware-in-the-loop validation, ensure interoperability and vendor-agnostic integration, collaborate with systems and mission operations teams, and engage government and industry stakeholders.
Summary Generated by Built In

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

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.


Skills Required

  • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • 15+ years of experience with large-scale, mission-critical software systems
  • At least 5 years in a chief architect or equivalent role
  • Experience architecting real-time command-and-control 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 including RMF and Zero Trust, and mission assurance processes
  • Strong knowledge of networking, middleware, and high-availability architectures for space and ground systems
  • Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in high-stakes environments
  • U.S. citizenship and eligibility for DoD Secret clearance
  • Experience with missile defense, battle management, or space-based command-and-control architectures
  • Familiarity with hypersonic defense engagement timelines and 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

True Anomaly Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength Company and third-party materials describe 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA/FSA options noted in postings. This points to robust core healthcare support as part of total rewards.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility Equity or stock options are consistently included in offers alongside cash compensation. Ownership is framed as a standard component of the package across roles.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Public materials cite generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave, with some profiles noting around 25 days of PTO for full-time employees. This breadth signals meaningful paid time away in addition to holidays.

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The Company
HQ: Centennial, CO
300 Employees
Year Founded: 2022

What We Do

Space was once the quietest place in the universe. Now, it's crowded, contested, and confrontational.  We are True Anomaly: the only defense company focused exclusively on space defense. Founded in 2022 by ex-U.S. Space Force members, True Anomaly designs and builds advanced systems for space superiority: agile and powerful spacecraft platforms, mission software engineered for unmatched command and control, and payloads tailored for precision sensing and effects.    True Anomaly is headquartered in Centennial, CO, with regional offices in Colorado Springs, CO, Long Beach, CA, and Washington, D.C.  We are hiring and seeking exceptional talent to join True Anomaly, from any technical industry or background, to bring unique talents, perspective, and solutions. If you embrace complexity, lead instead of follow, showcase integrity over ego, take ownership for outcomes, and measure success by impact, we want to hear from you.

Why Work With Us

True Anomaly exists to enable a secure, stable, and sustainable space environment for the US, its allies, and partners. We design and build spacecraft and software solutions for space superiority. If you are ready to contribute to the future of space defense, we’d love to hear from you.

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True Anomaly Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

We are a hybrid office culture. Our employees work from offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. We recognize the importance of in-office collaboration, but also the value of a flexible work and location requirements

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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Mission Operations
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Engineering and Manufacturing
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Government Affairs and Sales
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