Engineering Manager, Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem

YOUR MISSION

As Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem Manager at True Anomaly, you will own the strategy and execution of our propulsion systems across our vehicles, and lead the people behind them. You will have the opportunity to build the team that delivers next generation propulsion subsystems to Jackal, Space Based Interceptors, and other future vehicles. You will directly lead a team of propulsion system and component REs and analysts responsible for selecting components, designing the propulsion subsystem, managing interfaces, managing external and internal suppliers, and ultimately delivering the propulsion subsystem. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable jumping in and driving technical decisions as they are developing and managing the people doing that work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & People Management

• Directly supervise, hire, and develop a team of propulsion engineers capable of writing requirements, designing, analyzing, testing, and delivering propulsion systems on aggressive schedules.
• Work with your Propulsion Leads to ensure their success in managing the technical, cost, and schedule performance of each vehicle's propulsion system.
• Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and create development plans that grow each team member's technical skills and career.
• Foster a team culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and ownership.
• Define processes and build tools that enable the team to deliver high quality products faster.
• Address and resolve technical blockers, resource conflicts, and cross-functional issues affecting your team.

Propulsion Deliverable Products

• Mentor and manage propulsion technical leads who are balancing the technical, cost, and schedule demands of a vehicle propulsion system.
• Manage resources across multiple dynamic programs to meet milestones efficiently.
• Provide technical oversight and approval authority for major decisions; ensure trade study conclusions are well-supported and aligned with program needs and budget.
• Review and approve designs, analyses, and work plans for flight hardware.
• Champion safety. Ensure that requirements, designs, and plans are safe.
• Drive resolution of complex, multi-faceted decisions that are elevated to the manager level.
• Work with Supply Chain to ensure vendors have what they need, are performing to plan, and deliver high performing product on time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional experience in propulsion and fluid systems engineering for aerospace, launch vehicle, or defense applications, with at least 3 years in a direct people management or influential leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience leading an engineering team through the development cycle.
• Background in space propulsion or fluid system design, analysis, or test.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, track schedule and budget performance, and surface risks proactively.
• Proven track record of building cohesive technical teams and developing individual contributors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical status and recommendations clearly to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Direct experience managing a development program for a space vehicle.
• Familiarity with hypergolic propellant handling requirements for NTO, MMH, UDMH, or similar propellants, including material compatibility, PPE, and secondary containment.
• Experience scaling a team during a high-growth or startup phase.
• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary:  $165,000 to $290,000

• 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—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. 
• 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.

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