Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, Test Stand

• Design the primary test stand structure including thrust measurement systems, engine/thruster mount interfaces, and load paths for anticipated thrust levels and dynamic loads.
• Detail mechanical designs for run tank assemblies, GSE carts, propellant conditioning systems, and ancillary facility hardware.
• Produce fully detailed CAD models and engineering drawings suitable for fabrication, procurement, and third-party review.
• Conduct or coordinate structural and pressure system analyses including FEA, pressure budget calculations, and proof and burst margin verification.
• Design for maintainability, access, and operational safety — ensuring that technicians can safely configure, operate, and service all systems.

• Develop fabrication packages including drawings, material specifications, weld and joining requirements, and acceptance criteria for test stand hardware.
• Identify and qualify vendors for fabricated components, pressure vessels, specialty valves, instrumentation, and other long-lead hardware; provide technical oversight throughout procurement.
• Support and oversee the fabrication, assembly, and installation of designed systems; resolve fabrication anomalies and nonconformances.
• Define and execute acceptance test requirements for delivered hardware, including proof pressure testing, leak checks, and functional verification.
• Develop GSE and tooling needed to safely handle, install, and service hypergolic system components.

• Serve as the design authority for hypergolic system safety features; ensure all designs comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and DoD standards for toxic and reactive propellant handling.
• Contribute to facility hazard analyses (PHA, FMEA) and support development of operating procedures from a design perspective, ensuring procedures accurately reflect as-built system configuration.
• Coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), fire marshal, and environmental regulators on facility design reviews and permitting requirements related to hypergolic propellant storage and operations.
• Establish and document material compatibility requirements and cleaning and passivation standards for all wetted components.

• Lead the mechanical commissioning of hypergolic facility systems, including system cleanliness verification, pressure testing, leak checks, and functional checkouts.
• Maintain as-built documentation throughout facility construction and commissioning; ensure configuration control of all facility systems.
• Provide ongoing design support during early test operations, including hardware modifications and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years of professional experience in the design and build of propulsion ground systems, test facility hardware, or high-pressure fluid systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing fluid systems for hypergolic, toxic, or highly reactive propellants, including material compatibility, secondary containment, and emergency safing provisions.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and production of fully detailed engineering drawings for fabrication.
• Experience developing P&IDs for propulsion or chemical process systems and working with pressure system design codes (ASME B31.3 or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of pressure system safety requirements including proof, burst, and leak test margins, and relief device sizing.
• Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation and interface with safety and regulatory stakeholders.

• Direct experience designing and building hypergolic propellant test stands or ground fluid systems for spacecraft or launch vehicle programs.
• Familiarity with Hydrazine, NTO, MMH, UDMH, or red fuming nitric acid (RFNA) handling systems and the associated material, cleaning, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Experience coordinating with AHJs, fire marshals, or environmental regulators on permitting for hazardous chemical storage or operations.
• Background in structural analysis or FEA for test stand structures and pressure vessels.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control system interfaces for propulsion test: pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples, automated valve control, and emergency shutdown systems.
• Experience with cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification for hypergolic-compatible fluid systems.
• Familiarity with Colorado Front Range permitting, zoning, or environmental requirements for toxic propellant storage and operations.
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one.

• Base Salary: $135,000 to $190,000
• 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.

• Work Location —this role will be fully onsite at either our Centennial, CO office location.
• 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.

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.