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Chief Engineer, Ground Software Verified today

True Anomaly · Denver, CO · Long Beach, CA · Software · first seen 2026-09-03
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About True Anomaly

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.

Your Mission

You will lead the technical development and execution of a next-generation missile defense program. This role requires architecting solutions to formidable challenges in aerospace engineering including autonomous re-entry vehicles, hypersonic GNC, and orchestration of heterogeneous agents. You will define, guide, and oversee the engineering baseline across a novel missile-defense solution spanning interceptors, spacecraft, and ground software.

Architecture and Systems Leadership

  • Define and own the end-to-end ground segment architecture for a large-scale heterogenous C2 system including telemetry, alert management, engagement management, decision logic, and payload command/telemetry
  • Develop and enforce architectural principles for scalability, resiliency, security, and autonomy across the ground ecosystem
  • Ensure interoperability with third party host satellites, communication systems, and broader battle management
  • Architect modular frameworks that enable multi-vendor integration and rapid evolution of algorithms, ensuring vendor-agnostic interfaces

Technical Execution

  • Lead the technical baseline for real-time command and control system, including telemetry ingest, alert monitoring, burn plans, and tactical message relay
  • Direct the design and implementation of data pipelines, including telemetry ingestion, decision-making algorithms, and mission visualization
  • Oversee cybersecurity architecture aligned with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and mission assurance standards
  • Drive integration of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and operational prototypes to validate software against high-fidelity raid scenarios

Leadership and Collaboration

  • Act as the senior technical authority across software teams, guiding principal engineers and system integrators
  • Collaborate with systems engineering, mission operations, and hardware development teams to ensure a unified engineering baseline
  • Interface directly with government stakeholders, industry partners, and subcontractors to align technical decisions with mission objectives
  • Mentor engineering staff, cultivating a culture of rigor, innovation, and accountability

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 15 or more years of experience in large-scale, mission-critical software systems, with at least 5 years in a chief architect or equivalent role
  • Proven track record architecting real-time command-and-control (C2) or fire control systems for defense, aerospace, or comparable domains
  • Deep expertise in distributed systems, autonomy, and real-time decision-making architectures
  • Experience with DoD software standards, cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, Zero Trust), and mission assurance processes
  • Strong knowledge of networking, middleware, and high-availability architectures for space and ground systems
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in high-stakes environments
  • U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret clearance

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience with missile defense systems, battle management systems, or space-based C2 architectures
  • Familiarity with hypersonic defense engagement timelines and associated fire control challenges
  • Hands-on knowledge of AI/ML-enabled autonomy, simulation frameworks, and digital twin architectures
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain TS/SCI

Compensation

  • Base Salary: $190,000 to $305,000
  • Equity participation as part of total compensation package
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage; HSA/HRA options; 401(k); parental leave; paid time off and holidays

Actual salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

Work Location and Requirements

  • Onsite at Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA location, with travel to other sites as needed
  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident required to comply with ITAR regulations