Chief Engineer, Ground Software

YOUR MISSION

True Anomaly is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Engineer to lead the technical development and execution of a next-generation missile defense program. This is a generational opportunity to architect solutions to some of the most formidable challenges in aerospace engineering including autonomous re-entry vehicles, hypersonic GNC, and the orchestration of heterogeneous agents. You will be responsible for defining, guiding, and overseeing the engineering baseline across a novel missile-defense solution spanning interceptors, spacecraft, and ground software. It will fall to you to bring bold, creative solutions without sacrificing technical rigor, flawless execution, and mission success. At True Anomaly, this means shaping history, defining the technical playbook for how missile defense is achieved in space through engineering solutions that endure, inspire, and defend against tomorrow’s most formidable threats.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Architecture & 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 & 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field
• 15+ 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

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 one
• TS/SCI clearance

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $190,000-$305,000
• 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—this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA location, with travel to other sites as needed.
• 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. #LI-Onsite