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
True Anomaly is looking for a creative Thermal Engineer to develop new spacecraft. In this role you will be work with a multi-disciplinary product team to rapidly develop and produce new space systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design, analysis, and validation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, ensuring optimal performance across all mission phases.
- Develop detailed thermal models using tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN, or similar software to predict and manage spacecraft thermal behavior.
- Perform integrated thermal analysis to determine heater/radiator sizing and external coatings required to maintain all elements of the SV in thermal limits
- Perform thermal detailed analysis over variety of design reference missions (DRM’s)
- Design and help develop detail piece part and assembly drawings for heaters, MLI, and other thermal control components
- Assist with electronic thermal predictions and board level analysis
- Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and electrical engineers to integrate thermal control solutions into spacecraft designs.
- Define and oversee thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and heater performance tests, to validate design assumptions and correlate models with test data.
- Support on orbit operations
- Perform trade studies to evaluate different thermal design approaches and optimize for weight, cost, and performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with training in analysis of structures and fluids
- 5+ years of professional experience in space thermal analysis and control
- Demonstrated excellence in thermal vacuum testing, analysis and model correlation
- Thermal experience with spacecraft subcomponents such as optical payloads, mechanisms, structures, etc.
- Proficiency in tools such as Thermal Desktop and Solidworks
- Passion for the space industry
- Ability to lead projects, manage schedules, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with little input on requirements or management oversight
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in aerospace
- Hands-on experience with thermal testing and instrumentation, such as thermocouples, heaters, and data acquisition systems.
- Experience with spacecraft-specific thermal challenges, such as passive cooling for deep-space missions or active thermal management for high-power systems.
- Familiarity with advanced thermal technologies, including phase-change materials, loop heat pipes, and thermoelectric coolers.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft mission profiles and their impact on thermal system design, such as eclipse periods and orbital heating.
- Proven ability to innovate in thermal control systems for weight, cost, and power optimization.
- Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
COMPENSATION
- California Base Salary: $120,000-$145,000 for Thermal Engineer II; $135,000-$180,000 for Senior Thermal Engineer
- Colorado Base Salary: $110,000-$145,000 for Thermal Engineer II; $125,000-$160,000 for Senior Thermal Engineer
- 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—if you are based in the LA area, this role will be remote until the launch of our LA factory in early 2025 and then transition to an onsite role. If you are based in the Denver area, this will be an onsite role based out of our Gravity Works office.
- Travel—employees can expect to travel up to 25% to our Denver HQ if you are based in LA or to the LA factory if you are based in Denver.
- Work environment—is in a standard office, working at a desk or in a production factory.
- Physical demands—may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20lbs.
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.
We value diversity of experience, knowledge, backgrounds and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, maternity or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.
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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
