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
The Chief Systems Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end technical integrity of a missile defense system, owning the system architecture and serving as the final technical authority for system-level requirements interpretation, allocation, and traceability. This role ensures requirements are testable, verifiable, and aligned with mission objectives and customer intent.
The Chief Systems Engineer leads technical integration across the booster, kill vehicle, ground systems, space and host-vehicle interfaces, resolving cross-element technical conflicts and ensuring subsystem designs collectively meet system performance, reliability, and safety objectives.
The role owns the system-level verification and validation strategy, including ground, flight, and on-orbit test progression, and approves system-level test objectives, success criteria, and requirement creditability. The Chief Systems Engineer chairs system-level test readiness reviews, leads post-test technical assessments, and certifies technical readiness to proceed between major program phases.
The Chief Systems Engineer identifies and manages system-level technical risks and provides authoritative system-level analysis during anomalies or mishaps in support of Mission Assurance–led investigations. The role certifies corrective actions and technical readiness for return-to-test or return-to-flight.
The Chief Systems Engineer provides technical leadership to Chief Engineers and integrated product teams and serves as the primary system-level technical interface to Program Management, Mission Assurance, and customer technical authorities, maintaining independence of technical judgment while enabling informed programmatic decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred).
- 15+ years of experience in complex aerospace or defense systems development.
- Demonstrated experience as a lead or chief systems engineer on:
- Missile defense systems
- Space systems
- Highly integrated flight-test–driven programs
- Deep understanding of:
- Systems engineering lifecycle
- Verification and validation
- Flight and ground test campaigns
- Safety-critical system design
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams under high consequence conditions.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with missile defense, interceptor, or space weapon systems.
- Direct involvement in ground test, flight test, or on-orbit demonstrations.
- Experience interfacing with US Government customers (e.g., USSF, MDA, DoD).
- Prior participation in anomaly resolution or mishap investigations.
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary: Denver- $190,000-$285,000, Long Beach- $200,000-$295,000
- 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 and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
- 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.
Top Skills
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
