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Menlo Ventures

Chief Engineer, Flight Sciences

Menlo Ventures, Laguna Beach, California, us, 92652

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A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability. OUR MISSION 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. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all. 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 True Anomaly is

seeking

a highly accomplished

Chief Engineer

,

Flight Sciences

to architect, develop, and lead advanced flight sciences

across our

next-generation

missile defense

program. This role will drive the aerodynamic, guidance, and control foundations for high-velocity reentry vehicles, hypersonic flight control, and terminal end-game dynamics critical to missile intercept missions. You will

be responsible for

building the analytical and experimental backbone that ensures our interceptors achieve precision, survivability, and mission success against evolving threats.

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 As Chief Engineer

,

Flight Sciences, you will serve as the

chief technical authority

across the missile defense portfolio,

establishing

and maintaining the technical baseline for all models, simulations, and performance criteria. You will shape the long-term roadmap for aerodynamic, guidance, and terminal control capabilities in alignment with program strategy and U.S. Space Force/DoD needs, while partnering closely with executive leadership to inform investment priorities, capture strategy, and customer engagement. You will define and oversee the

flight sciences architecture

of our next generation missile defense program

, ensuring seamless integration with guidance, navigation, seeker, propulsion, and command-and-control elements. This includes leading the creation of comprehensive modeling and simulation frameworks that span from low-fidelity raid-scale performance to high-fidelity terminal intercept dynamics, ensuring architectures

remain

scalable, modular, and extensible across multiple interceptor variants. At the organizational level, you will

build and lead a multidisciplinary flight sciences team

of CFD experts, control theorists, trajectory analysts, and simulation engineers. You will

establish

standards, processes, and reviews that enforce technical rigor while enabling innovation, and you

will shape recruiting, mentorship, and professional development pathways to grow the next generation of aerospace defense engineers. Finally, you will drive

execution and mission assurance

, serving as the final authority on design decisions, leading technical reviews (

CoDR

, PDR, CDR

, MRRR

), and overseeing risk identification and mitigation throughout development. You will guide test and validation campaigns—including wind tunnel testing, hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and intercept demonstration flights—while ensuring safety, compliance, and mission-critical reliability across all phases of the program. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS B

.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field (focus in flight dynamics,

hypersonics

, or missile defense preferred). 15+ years of experience in

aerospace flight sciences, missile defense, or hypersonic vehicle programs

. Success in prior programs

demonstrating

expertise

in

reentry vehicle aerodynamics, hypersonic flight control, and terminal intercept dynamics

. Strategic thinker with the ability to

connect technical architectures to program strategy

including

the

design of

development

and qualification test strategy Deep technical credibility in CFD, aerothermal modeling, 6-DOF simulations, and advanced control systems. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational influence. Ability to thrive in a

fast-paced, mission-driven environment

where execution speed and rigor are equally valued. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field (focus in flight dynamics,

hypersonics

, or missile defense preferred). Experience with

missile defense systems, battle management systems, or space-based C2 architectures

. Familiarity with

hypersonic defense engagement timelines

and associated fire control challenges. Experience engaging with DoD/USSF, C2BMC, or related missile defense programs. Hands-on knowledge of

AI/ML-enabled autonomy, simulation frameworks, and digital twin architectures

. Demonstrated success leading

large, multidisciplinary technical teams

at the Director/VP level. Active security clearance or ability to obtain one. COMPENSATION Base Salary:

Denver:

$220,000 - $285,000 | Long Beach: $225,000 - $290,000 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 —Successful candidates will be located near Denver. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site. 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.

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