Technical Program Manager

• Own engine balance and cycle modeling: Develop and maintain integrated 1D engine/thruster cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, or equivalent tools to predict system-level performance, identify design sensitivities, and support architecture trade studies from concept through flight.
• Lead injector analysis and sizing: Apply first-principles and empirical methods to size injector elements, predict atomization and mixing efficiency, and validate designs against performance targets. Translate model outputs into actionable design guidance for hardware engineers.
• Assess and mitigate combustion instability: Perform stability assessments using analytical and numerical methods - including acoustic mode analysis, Rayleigh criterion evaluation, and sensitivity studies - and recommend design mitigations such as acoustic cavities, baffle configurations, and injector pattern modifications.
• Apply CFD to combustion dynamics: Leverage CFD tools (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flow, or equivalent) to characterize combustion dynamics, flame structure, mixing efficiency, and hot-gas-side heat flux distributions, feeding results back into design and stability assessments.
• Develop thrust chamber thermal-fluid models: Build conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling models to predict wall temperatures, heat flux profiles, and coolant pressure drop, ensuring hardware margin across the operating envelope.
• Partner with designers and suppliers: Work directly with thruster designers and suppliers to interpret test data, validate models against hot-fire results, and close the loop between analysis and hardware performance.
• Build lightweight design tools: Create accessible tools and parametric models that allow hardware responsible engineers to quickly size components and evaluate performance without requiring deep analysis expertise.
• Define and execute evolutionary analysis plans: Structure the analysis program to mature in lock-step with hardware development and testing - increasing fidelity as data becomes available and design decisions demand it.
• Establish analytical best practices: Define processes for in-depth analysis, second-set-of-eyes reviews, and parameter input standards. Build a culture of analytical rigor across the propulsion team.
• Mentor and cross-train: Build analytical capability within the broader propulsion team, including cross-training hardware responsible engineers on core analysis methods and tools., * Remote-For exceptionally qualified candidates who live outside a reasonable commuting distance of our Centennial or Long Beach offices, remote work within the U.S. may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and approval. Remote eligibility is not guaranteed and will be confirmed at the offer stage. Remote employees are expected to travel to a primary office about once a month. Any remote work must be performed from an approved location within the U.S. meeting the Company’s security requirements
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 12+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster analysis.
• Engine balance and cycle modeling: Demonstrated hands-on experience building and running integrated 1D engine cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, GFSSP, or directly comparable tools.
• Injector design and sizing: Significant experience sizing injector elements (e.g., impinging, coaxial, swirl) using analytical methods and CFD, with demonstrated ability to predict and improve mixing efficiency and atomization.
• Combustion instability assessment and mitigation: Proven experience identifying instability risk in thruster designs, performing acoustic and stability analyses, and recommending or validating mitigation strategies through analysis and/or testing.
• Experience with 2-phase fluid modeling in propulsion systems.
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling analysis.
• Familiarity with the full thruster development process, from concept trade studies through hardware qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex analysis clearly to non-specialist stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizen, eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an analysis focus (advanced degrees count toward years of experience).
• Proficiency across multiple propulsion analysis tools: ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, Thermal Desktop, GFSSP, Ansys Fluent, Flow-3D, or equivalent.
• Combustion CFD: Experience applying CFD (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flows, or equivalent) to combustion dynamics, including reacting flow simulations and heat flux prediction.
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate analysis workflows, process test data, and build parametric design tools.
• Direct experience supporting thruster development test campaigns, including pre-test predictions and post-test model validation.
• Track record of innovative problem-solving in coupled thermo-fluid-structural problems.
• Experience in a startup or similarly resource-constrained, high-tempo environment.
• Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.

Be an Early Applicant In-Office Denver, CO, USA 185K-280K Annually Expert/Leader In-Office Denver, CO, USA 185K-280K Annually Expert/Leader Leads propulsion analysis for liquid rocket engines and thrusters, developing engine cycle, injector, combustion stability, CFD, thermal-fluid, and regenerative cooling models. Partners with hardware designers and suppliers to validate models against hot-fire tests, guides design decisions, builds lightweight analysis tools, establishes analytical standards, and mentors propulsion engineers. The role supports development from concept through qualification and requires deep expertise in propulsion modeling and combustion dynamics. The summary above was generated by AI

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.

BENEFITS & PERKS*

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays

• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success., * Base Salary: $185,000 to $280,000

• 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., In-Office Denver, CO, USA 120K-175K Annually Senior level 120K-175K Annually Senior level Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Hardware * Machine Learning * Software * Defense * Manufacturing Own end-to-end execution of complex spacecraft payload development and integration programs, from requirements through deployment. Coordinate engineering, systems, software, manufacturing, test, security, launch, and mission operations teams. Manage schedules, dependencies, risks, interfaces, tradeoffs, testing, program metrics, and stakeholder communications while ensuring delivery of mission-critical aerospace systems in a classified national security environment. Top Skills: AgileConfluenceItarJIRAKanbanPower BIScrum True Anomaly, In-Office Denver, CO, USA 165K-245K Annually Senior level 165K-245K Annually Senior level Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Hardware * Machine Learning * Software * Defense * Manufacturing Design, analyze, build, and test propulsion systems for advanced satellites and missile defense vehicles from concept through flight. Lead propulsion development and ground test campaigns, review models and drawings, collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, optimize system performance and manufacturability, and mentor engineers. The role requires expertise in rocket engines, valves, fluid systems, pressurization, propulsion testing, and vehicle-level checkouts, with occasional vendor and factory travel. Top Skills: Fdir ArchitectureFlight ValvesFluid System ArchitectureFmecaHot-Fire TestingItarPressure BudgetsPressure TestingPressurization SystemsPropellant LoadingPropulsion SystemsRocket EnginesStage SystemsVehicle-Level Propulsion CheckoutsWater Hammer Analysis True Anomaly

Staff Propulsion Engineer

9 Hours Ago In-Office Denver, CO, USA 185K-280K Annually Expert/Leader 185K-280K Annually Expert/Leader Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Hardware * Machine Learning * Software * Defense * Manufacturing Design, analyze, build, and test propulsion systems for advanced spacecraft from concept through flight. Provide technical leadership and mentorship, review models and drawings, lead multidisciplinary design validation, support propulsion testing and vehicle checkouts, and present technical content to customers. The role requires extensive launch or space vehicle experience, fluid system expertise, and the ability to lead complex propulsion development in a fast-paced environment. Top Skills: Aerospace EngineeringFdir ArchitectureFlight ValvesFluid System ArchitectureFmecaHot-Fire TestingMechanical DesignPressure BudgetsPressure TestingPressurization SystemsPropellant LoadingPropulsion SystemsPropulsion TestingRocket EnginesSpacecraft SystemsWater Hammer Analysis

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With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

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