Director, Propulsion Engineering
TITLE
About the role
The Director of Propulsion Engineering at True Anomaly leads the strategic direction and execution of next-generation propulsion systems across the company's spacecraft and missile defense portfolios. This role involves defining the technology roadmap, developing propulsion systems, overseeing test facilities, and managing cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
Define and own the propulsion technology roadmap across True Anomaly's spacecraft and defense platforms, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements.
Drive system-level requirements development, decomposition, and traceability from vehicle-level requirements down to component and subsystem specifications.
Drive make/buy analysis and cost/risk/performance trades for propulsion components including engines, valves, tanks, and fluid systems.
Collaborate on the design, development, test and deployment of the fluid systems that are integral to our propulsion systems.
Champion the integration of metal additive manufacturing (AM) methods into propulsion hardware development — evaluating AM applicability, qualifying printed components, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to mature AM processes for flight use.
Ensure propulsion designs are robust and reliable across the space operating environment.
Provide strategic oversight of True Anomaly's propulsion testing efforts, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective execution of hot-fire, cold-flow, and pressure test campaigns.
Own the test facility roadmap — identifying capability gaps, leading infrastructure investments, and scaling test operations to support our accelerating development efforts.
Oversee the development of propellant loading capabilities, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, and anomaly investigation and resolution during test campaigns.
Drive a culture of test rigor and data-driven decision-making within the propulsion organization.
Partner closely with structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure propulsion systems integrate seamlessly at the vehicle level.
Serve as the primary propulsion point of contact in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and communicate propulsion status, risks, and recommendations clearly to program leadership and customers.
Interface with government customers, external partners, and suppliers to define requirements, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
Present propulsion strategy, technical status, and test results to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Build, lead, and scale a high-performing team of propulsion engineers with expertise spanning fluid systems, combustion, structural analysis, test operations, and advanced manufacturing.
Develop and execute a staffing and organizational growth plan aligned with program timelines; partner with Talent Acquisition to attract top propulsion talent.
Establish a strong engineering culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Mentor senior engineers and define clear technical career paths within the propulsion organization.
Define team processes, tools, and standards for design, documentation, analysis, and test.
Own propulsion deliverables against program schedules, budgets, and technical performance metrics.
Proactively identify technical risks and drive mitigation strategies; communicate status and critical issues clearly to the VP of Space Vehicle Engineering and program leadership.
Support spacecraft integration and test campaigns including I&T planning, anomaly investigation, and resolution.
Qualifications
15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or advanced defense propulsion systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or people management role.
Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems development across the full lifecycle — from concept and design through integration, test, and flight operations.
Deep expertise in fluid system design and analysis including rocket engines, flight valves, propellant tanks and pressurization systems.
Extensive propulsion test experience including hot-fire and pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, propellant loading, and test facility operations and safety management.
Proven track record of building, scaling, and leading high-performing propulsion engineering teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical content to senior leadership and external customers.
Passion for the space and defense industry and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing for propulsion applications, including design for AM, process qualification, and flight certification of printed components.
Experience with valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing.
Familiarity with or direct experience overseeing a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning and safety program management.
Background in DoD space or missile defense propulsion programs.
Experience scaling a propulsion or aerospace engineering organization during a high-growth or startup phase.
Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion standards, NASA-STD, or equivalent.
Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or the ability to obtain one.
Compensation
Base Salary: $190,000-$320,000
Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Additional Requirements
Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
Work Location—Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test sites.
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.