Lead Operations Engineer

Lead Operations Engineer

True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures space.

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 is to own the Mission Operations organization's contributions to a spacecraft program end to end — from early business development and proposals, through concept of operations (CONOPS) development and assembly, integration & test (AI&T), into live on-orbit operations and disposal.

This is a technical leadership role first and foremost. On-orbit operations experience is welcome, but what matters most is exceptional engineering fundamentals and genuine technical depth across a broad range of spacecraft subsystems and mission concepts.

Responsibilities include owning all Mission Operations deliverables for a given satellite program — from BD/proposal phase, through CONOPS development and AI&T, into live operations and disposal. Serve as the integrating generalist engineer across subsystem teams, defining, scoping, and task the Operations team's work for the program — build the plan and drive execution. Lead and mentor a small, multidisciplinary team of ~4–5 engineers.

Contribute engineering and operational content to business development proposals. Develop and mature CONOPS from early concept through operations. Support AI&T as a systems-level generalist, and lead anomaly investigation and resolution across the program. Represent Operations in cross-functional design reviews and program milestones. Support critical mission phases (launch, early orbit, RPO events) as needed.

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a STEM field (aerospace/astronautical preferred). Roughly 10+ years of experience in the space industry, or equivalent depth. Strong engineering fundamentals with demonstrated technical depth across multiple spacecraft subsystems. Experience leading small, cross-functional teams of engineers spanning multiple disciplines. Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required). Willing to work on-site in Colorado Springs or Denver.

Preferred skills and experience include a master's degree in a related discipline. Experience across the full satellite program lifecycle — BD/proposals, CONOPS development, AI&T, and live operations. In-depth knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, especially GNC and flight software (FSW). Experience with relative navigation, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), and closed-loop target tracking and maneuvering. Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence). Proficiency in one or more programming languages and comfort with basic scripting.

Experience supporting USSF and/or Intelligence Community space defense missions (space control / orbital warfare). Experience with Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission systems, sensors, or operations. Familiarity with missile defense architectures and operations. Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

Compensation includes a Colorado base salary of $150,000 - $220,000. 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 include an onsite position based near Colorado Springs, CO or Denver, CO. Flexibility to support 24/7 mission operations, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability during mission-critical events and anomaly response. This position will be open until it is successfully filled.