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 motivated and technically curious Electro-Optical Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and characterization of advanced imaging and sensing payloads for our spacecraft programs. In this role, you will support optical system development across the full hardware lifecycle — from performance modeling and specification development through bench-level testing and hardware characterization — working alongside experienced engineers on a team that ships hardware to space. You bring solid fundamentals in optics, imaging science, or physics, a hands-on mindset, and the eagerness to grow your skills in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, model, and analyze imaging systems for space-based payload applications, from concept through fielding
- Develop and maintain end-to-end imaging system performance models, including radiometric, signal chain, and image quality analyses
- Support and execute hardware characterization and metrology activities, including bench-level testing of optical assemblies, detectors, and sensors
- Author and maintain optical and imaging system specifications, interface requirements, and test plans
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure imaging system requirements are properly flowed down and verified
- Support design reviews, presenting optical system performance analyses and test results to internal and customer audiences
- Identify and track imaging system performance risks, driving analysis and mitigation efforts in coordination with the broader Payloads team
- Contribute to the development of ground support equipment and test infrastructure for optical payload characterization
- Apply programming skills (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent) to develop and maintain analysis tools, data reduction pipelines, and simulation frameworks
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field (Master's preferred)
- 2-4 years of professional experience in optical systems engineering, imaging system development, or a related technical role
- Demonstrated experience with optical system modeling, analysis, or characterization
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable programming language for engineering analysis and data processing
- Strong fundamentals in optics, radiometry, and imaging physics with the ability to engage credibly across multi-discipline hardware teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with radiometric budgeting and end-to-end signal chain performance analysis for imaging systems
- Experience working on space applications, including space-based imaging or remote sensing payloads
- Hands-on experience with imaging system metrology, including optical bench testing, detector characterization, and image quality measurement
- Familiarity with stray light analysis, wavefront error budgeting, or optical tolerance analysis tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V)
- Familiarity with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems
- Experience with image processing algorithms and pipeline development
- Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary: $95,000 - $155,000
- 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 our Centennial, CO location.
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
- 2-4 years of professional experience in optical systems engineering or related field
- Experience with optical system modeling and characterization
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or comparable programming language
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
