Mechanical Engineer (Space Based Interceptors)

• The next generation of missile defense demands hardware that performs flawlessly at hypersonic speeds, survives extreme thermal and aerodynamic environments, and delivers precision intercept against the most advanced threats ever fielded
• True Anomaly is building that hardware — and we are looking for engineers who want to be part of it
• As a Mechanical Engineer at True Anomaly, you will play a critical role in designing and developing flight hardware for some of the most technically demanding programs in the defense aerospace industry
• From interceptor systems and kill vehicles to hypersonic flight vehicles, you will engineer mechanical systems that must perform flawlessly in extreme thermal, aerodynamic, and high-g environments — building the hardware that matters most when it counts
• Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures and assemblies for interceptor systems, kill vehicles, and hypersonic flight vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, survivability, and reliability requirements
• Assist in the development of flight vehicle structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers
• Support the design of primary and secondary airframe structures for high-dynamic-pressure, high-g maneuver, and thermally coupled hypersonic flight environments, including aerodynamic loading, vibration, and shock
• Contribute to the packaging and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) hardware, seeker assemblies, and sensor systems within flight vehicle structures, with consideration for optical alignment, vibration isolation, EMI shielding, and thermal management
• Assist in the design and application of thermal protection system (TPS) components and high-temperature structural assemblies for hypersonic and re-entry environments, including exposure to ablative, ceramic, and composite TPS materials
• Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including solid rocket motor structural interfaces, divert and attitude control system (DACS) packaging, and nozzle and thrust vector control (TVC) structural interfaces
• Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for flight vehicle components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks
• Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents
• Assist in the development and execution of structural and environmental test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities
• Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Sponsored Healthcare: We’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive healthcare package is fully sponsored, ensuring you and your loved ones stay healthy and worry-free, so you can focus on shaping the future of space security.
• Generous Time Off: We believe in working hard and recharging fully. Our generous vacation policy gives you the flexibility to take the time you need to relax, explore, and come back energized to take on new challenges.
• Equity: Own an equity stake in True Anomaly as you build something transformative. With equity options, you’re not just working for True Anomaly; you’re an owner. As an essential part of our growth and future success, we want you to share in the upside potential!
• 401k and Roth 401k options: Plan for tomorrow with our 401K and Roth 401K options that put you in control of your financial future.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Your growth fuels our innovation. We’re committed to providing you with the resources and training to expand your skills, spark new ideas, and advance your career with us.- Exposure to guidance or seeker packaging concepts, including sensor integration constraints, vibration isolation, optical alignment, and EMI management
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials or TPS concepts used in hypersonic or re-entry applications
• Exposure to or coursework in missile systems, hypersonic vehicle design, or high-performance flight vehicle structures, including aerodynamic loading, thermal-structural coupling, or re-entry environments
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks
• Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to high-dynamic-pressure and thermally demanding flight environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment
• 1–4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within missile defense, hypersonic systems, defense aerospace, or a related industry
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings
• Experience designing hardware for high-performance flight environments, including considerations for aerodynamic heating, high-g loading, shock, and vibration
• Familiarity with interceptor, kill vehicle, or re-entry system hardware, including mass-constrained structures and precision seeker or sensor integration
• Exposure to TPS design or high-temperature materials, including ablative, ceramic, or composite systems used in hypersonic or re-entry applications
• Familiarity with hypersonic flight vehicle aeroshell design concepts, including structural joints under aeroheating and TPS panel integration
• Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including solid rocket motor, DACS, or TVC interface design
• Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions
• Familiarity with relevant defense and aerospace standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, MIL-SPEC, AIAA S-110)
• Background in or exposure to spacecraft or satellite mechanical design, with ability to apply crossover principles from space environment hardware to missile defense applications
• Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test
• Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one
• Experience working in a startup or fast-paced defense environment with compressed development timelines
• 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
• 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- This position will be open until it is successfully filled