True Anomaly

Senior Systems Engineer, Mission Architecture

True Anomaly · Denver, CO
Denver, CO $130K–$195K Posted 2026-08-26
Salary
$130K–$195K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

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.

YOUR MISSION

The Mission Systems Engineer will play a critical role in defining, analyzing, and ensuring the successful implementation of mission requirements across complex aerospace platforms. This engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft trajectories and operations related to rendezvous, docking, and proximity missions. This role will involve working on complex, mission-critical space systems, supporting national defense initiatives, and advancing technologies in autonomous space operations. This position will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate system solutions for both manned and unmanned platforms in defense, space, and intelligence applications.

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join our Mission Architecture team in developing and integrating cutting-edge aerospace and defense systems. The Mission Systems Engineer will play a critical role in defining, analyzing, and ensuring the successful implementation of mission requirements across complex aerospace platforms. This engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft trajectories and operations related to rendezvous, docking, and proximity missions. This role will involve working on complex, mission-critical space systems, supporting national defense initiatives, and advancing technologies in autonomous space operations. This position will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate system solutions for both manned and unmanned platforms in defense, space, and intelligence applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission Design & Requirements Analysis:

  • Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to define and document mission objectives, system requirements, and operational concepts.
  • Translate customer and mission needs into actionable engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with technical and programmatic constraints.
  • Lead system trade studies, performance evaluations, and feasibility assessments to ensure optimal system architecture design.
  • Lead the design, simulation, and analysis of RPO mission trajectories.
  • Optimize spacecraft maneuvers to achieve mission objectives while considering fuel efficiency, timing, and risk mitigation.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and customers.
  • Support proposal development and provide technical input for new mission opportunities.

System Integration & Verification:

  • Oversee the integration of mission systems, ensuring seamless interaction between hardware, software, and operational components.
  • Develop system-level integration and verification plans, conducting end-to-end testing to validate mission requirements.
  • Coordinate with subsystem teams to troubleshoot and resolve integration challenges, ensuring mission readiness.
  • Support mission operations teams during testing and real-time mission execution.

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis:

  • Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity models for spacecraft motion and environmental factors.
  • Use advanced tools (e.g., STK, GMAT, MATLAB, FreeFlyer) to simulate mission scenarios and predict outcomes.
  • Run Monte Carlo simulations to assess mission robustness under various contingencies.
  • Use advanced simulation tools to model mission scenarios, system behaviors, and performance under operational conditions.
  • Conduct system performance analysis, including reliability, safety, and mission effectiveness, under various environmental conditions.
  • Assess mission success criteria and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight mission analysis, including trajectory reconstruction and anomaly investigations.

Risk Assessment & Mitigation:

  • Identify and analyze mission risks related to complex space missions, including collision risks and operational uncertainties.
  • Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans for safe and reliable mission execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 8+ years mission analysis, space operations, or orbital mechanics
  • Strong technical leadership and systems architecture experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in RPO mission design and spacecraft operations.
  • Hands-on experience with mission analysis tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar software.
  • Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and autonomous space operations.
  • Proficiency in simulation tools and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++).
  • Experience with mission planning and real-time mission support.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience in defense or classified space missions.
  • Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA mission standards and processes
  • Experience working with government agencies, primes, or subcontractors on space missions.

COMPENSATION

  • Base Salary: $130,000 - $195,000
  • 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 a fully onsite position based out of our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office.
  • 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

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

PythonC++
$110K — 10th pctl $265K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $162K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
-10%
below median
Based on 24,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
True Anomaly

True Anomaly

Defense Tech · Series D · Centennial, USA

Stage & Valuation
Series D · $2.2B
Key Investors
Riot, Accel, Eclipse
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Engineering (69) · Operations (12) · Finance (5)
True Anomaly designs and builds spacecraft, software platforms, and mission systems exclusively for space defense and security operations. The company focuses on developing capabilities to support secure and sustainable access to orbital environments.
Defense Tech Aerospace Space Security AI
E
VP, Platform Engineering
Denver, CO
Engineering
$185K–$390K
O
SVP, Government Affairs
Washington, DC
Operations
$255K–$380K
E
Autonomy Engineer, Ops Research
Denver, CO
Engineering
$180K–$360K
See all 135+ roles at True Anomaly →
A
Senior Open Architecture Systems Engineer, Mission Systems
Anduril Industries Costa Mesa, California, United States
Engineering
$166K–$220K
A
Senior Systems Engineer, Customer Programs
AEye Pleasanton, CA
Engineering
$140K–$170K
K
Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, Mission Operations
Katalyst Space Technologies Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Engineering
$140K–$180K
M
Senior Mission Lead Systems Engineer, Commercial Payloads
Muon Space San Jose, CA Hybrid
Engineering
$190K–$219K
See all Engineering roles →

Interested in this role?

Apply directly on the company site — no recruiter middleman, no account required.

Apply now →
Apply on company site