Principal, Integrated Test Operations Lead

Principal, Integrated Test Operations Lead

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

This position is part of the strategic expansion of True Anomaly in the space security and sustainability sector. The Integrated Test Operations Lead will be responsible for the detailed planning, coordination, and execution of integrated vehicle testing across ground and flight environments.

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners.

• 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.

The Integrated Test Operations Lead is responsible for translating program-level test objectives into detailed, executable plans that enable successful ground and flight test campaigns.

• Develop comprehensive test plans for ground-based flight tests and range-based operations, including configurations, success criteria, instrumentation strategies, and data collection requirements.
• Lead integrated test readiness efforts, ensuring all technical, operational, and safety elements are closed before execution.
• Serve as the primary execution lead during test events, directing real‑time activities and maintaining procedural and safety discipline.
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, safety, and operations teams, manage tempo of execution, and provide recommendations for go/no‑go decisions.
• Lead anomaly response and post‑test assessment, including data integrity checks, anomaly identification, triage, and lessons‑learned integration.
• Maintain integrated test execution schedules, proactively identify risks, and drive mitigation strategies.
• Provide regular status updates to the Ground Test Director and elevate critical risks or issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or complex system testing environments.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing integrated system tests (ground and/or flight).
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams in high‑tempo, high‑consequence operational environments.
• Strong understanding of test operations, including test planning, readiness reviews, and execution discipline.
• Proven ability to translate engineering requirements into executable test procedures and plans.
• Experience working with safety‑critical systems and adherence to rigorous safety and mission assurance standards.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate across engineering, operations, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in dynamic test environments.

• Advanced degree (M.S. or higher) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience with missile systems, launch vehicles, or high‑performance flight systems.
• Prior experience as a test conductor, test director, or similar role during live test operations.
• Familiarity with test range operations and coordination (government or commercial ranges).
• Experience with telemetry, instrumentation systems, and data acquisition for flight or ground tests.
• Background in guidance, navigation and control (GNC), propulsion, or integrated vehicle systems.
• Experience leading or supporting Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs), or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and drive execution across multiple parallel test efforts.
• Exposure to configuration management and test article control in a development or production environment.
• High growth potential with a demonstrated leadership trajectory toward senior test or program leadership roles.

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401(k), Parental Leave.

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
• The role will be fully onsite at our Gravity Works factory in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA.
• Work environment is a standard office or production factory setting.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity for all individuals, regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, citizenship and other protected classes. Disability accommodations are available upon request.