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 an innovative Electro-Optical Systems Engineering Manager to lead a small, agile team responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of high-performance, affordable optical systems for our seeker and autonomous orbital vehicles. This includes Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) suites, LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and other advanced EO/IR payloads. Reporting to the VP of New Product Engineering, this role encompasses deep technical contribution alongside people management and strategic product planning. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in electro-optical systems development, with a command of the state-of-the-art in the field and the judgment to evaluate vertically integrated versus COTS solutions with speed and confidence. You will work closely with Business Development and the Program Office to define and execute the company's EO systems roadmap, translating mission needs into fielded hardware that delivers real on-orbit capability.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own the technical direction for EO/IR payload systems, including seekers, RPO sensor suites, LiDAR, and hyperspectral imaging systems
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of electro-optical engineers across the full payload development lifecycle
- Oversee end-to-end EO systems development: requirements definition, optical and systems design, component selection, analysis, procurement, integration, and test
- Evaluate and down-select between vertically integrated and COTS solutions based on performance, cost, schedule, and mission risk
- Partner with the VP of New Product Engineering, Business Development, and Program Office to define and maintain the company's EO systems development roadmap
- Develop and maintain optical performance budgets, including radiometric, signal-to-noise, and resolution analyses
- Ensure payload designs meet mission requirements for reliability, thermal performance, radiation tolerance, and size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints
- Manage schedules, budgets, staffing, and technical risk across multiple EO payload programs
- Collaborate with avionics, systems engineering, GNC, and software teams to ensure seamless spacecraft integration
- Drive compliance with applicable aerospace standards and lead design reviews with internal stakeholders and customers
- Communicate product development status and issues with leadership and stakeholders
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
- 10+ years of professional experience in electro-optical systems design and development for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications
- Demonstrated experience with EO/IR imaging systems, including detector selection, optical design, and system-level performance modeling
- Experience with proximity operations or seeker sensor architectures, LiDAR systems, or hyperspectral imaging payloads
- Strong understanding of radiometric analysis, optical performance budgeting, and image quality assessment
- Familiarity with SWaP-constrained design trade-offs for spacecraft payloads
- Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and deliver complex hardware on schedule
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant EO/IR detector and focal plane array technologies
- Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, or similar
- Experience with LiDAR system design, waveform processing, and point cloud generation
- Knowledge of hyperspectral sensor design, calibration, and on-orbit data processing
- Experience with thermal and structural analysis of optomechanical systems
- Familiarity with CCSDS or other space telemetry standards for payload data downlink
- Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary: $190,000-$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, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
- Work Location—this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations, 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
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of professional experience in electro-optical systems design and development
- Experience with EO/IR imaging systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and deliver complex hardware on schedule
True Anomaly Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Affordable Benefits — Employer-paid healthcare is described as fully covered with no employee premiums, reducing paycheck deductions. Dental and vision coverage alongside HSA/HRA/FSA options further help manage out-of-pocket medical costs.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is characterized as generous, including a substantial PTO allotment plus U.S. holidays. Flexible time-off policies and hybrid scheduling further support recharge and flexibility.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental leave is described as generous, and a dedicated mother’s room is provided. These provisions indicate tangible support for growing families.
True Anomaly Insights
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
