Loads Development Lead, Space Interceptors

Loads Development Lead, Space Based Interceptors

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

Space is a war fighting 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.

True Anomaly is seeking a highly accomplished Loads Development Lead to serve as the technical authority for structural, mechanical, thermal, and coupled loads across a next‑generation Space Based Interceptors defense program. In this role, you will have end‑to‑end ownership of loads development across the full system lifecycle, from ground handling and launch through on‑orbit operations, intercept maneuvers, and end‑of‑life scenarios.

You will establish and enforce program standards and processes for loads generation, combination, margins, and documentation; develop and validate Coupled Loads Analyses (CLA); derive Mass Acceleration Curves (MAC); and decompose system‑level loads into clear design criteria and verification requirements. The Loads Development Lead is the single point of accountability for loads methodology, assumptions, traceability, and technical rigor, defining governing load cases and ensuring consistency across subsystem analyses.

This role requires close collaboration with structures, dynamics, thermal, mechanisms, avionics, systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, trajectory, environments, and test teams to ensure system integrity and performance. You will lead design trade studies driven by load sensitivities, support risk reduction and anomaly resolution efforts, and represent the program in internal and external technical reviews.

• 8+ years full lifecycle experience in structural loads development for aerospace systems (spacecraft, Space Based Interceptors, interceptors, or launch vehicles)
• Expertise in CLA, load derivation, and structural verification
• Demonstrated experience generating and managing loads across multiple mission phases and operational environments
• Strong background in structural dynamics, coupled loads analysis, and systems‑level load integration
• Experience authoring, owning, and maintaining formal loads documentation such as Loads Data Books or equivalent governing artifacts
• Proficiency with industry‑standard analysis tools (e.g., Femap, NASTRAN, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)
• Proven leadership on a major aerospace program
• Ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams and coordinate across hardware and software boundaries
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field;
  Master’s or Ph.D. preferred
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret clearance

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with Space Based Interceptors defense systems, interceptors, or highly dynamic flight regimes
• Familiarity with DoD or Space Force programs, certification processes, and review cycles
• Experience working with classified programs and handling controlled technical data
• Background in probabilistic loads, uncertainty quantification, or margin optimization
• Prior experience leading technical teams or serving as a subsystem or discipline lead
• TS/SCI clearance

• 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 job‑related knowledge and skills, education and experience.

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver, CO (Centennial), Colorado Springs, CO, or Long Beach, CA. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• 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—bending, sitting, lifting, and driving.

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 let us know.