Engineering Manager, Vehicle Avionics
True Anomaly
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
As the Vehicle Avionics Manager at True Anomaly, you will lead the avionics engineering team responsible for defining, developing, and delivering the electrical and avionics architecture for our next-generation spacecrafts. You will build and grow a high-performing team of engineers while driving cross-functional integration across software, mechanical, and systems engineering to ensure our avionics systems meet the performance, reliability, and mission demands of the space security domain.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and manage a team of avionics and electrical engineers, including hiring, mentorship, performance management, and professional development
- Define and own the vehicle avionics architecture, including command and data handling, communications, and sensor interfaces
- Drive avionics system design from concept through requirements definition, trade studies, preliminary and critical design reviews, integration, test, and on-orbit operations
- Establish and maintain avionics requirements, interface control documents, and verification and validation plans across subsystems
- Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, thermal, power, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of avionics into the vehicle platform
- Lead technical risk identification and mitigation strategies for avionics subsystems across program milestones
- Support new vehicle program development by shaping avionics roadmaps, informing make-vs-buy decisions, and evaluating vendor solutions
- Define and oversee avionics integration and test campaigns, including hardware-in-the-loop testing, environmental qualification, and flight acceptance
- Develop and refine avionics engineering processes, standards, and best practices to support rapid iteration and production scaling
- Represent the avionics team in program reviews, design reviews, and cross-functional planning sessions
- Work with production and manufacturing teams to ensure avionics designs are manufacturable, testable, and supportable through the vehicle lifecycle
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and quality assurance processes
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 10 years of experience in avionics, electrical, or spacecraft systems engineering
- At least 2 years of direct engineering management or team leadership experience, including hiring and developing engineers
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft or vehicle avionics architecture, including command and data handling, power systems, and communication interfaces
- Strong understanding of avionics integration and test processes for complex, multi-subsystem platforms
- Experience leading or contributing to preliminary and critical design reviews
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally with software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams
- Strong understanding of applicable standards and specifications for space-grade avionics
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
- Experience with FPGA/SoC development or embedded firmware in an avionics context
- Familiarity with spacecraft power systems, avionics bus architectures, and onboard computing platforms
- Experience with radiation-tolerant design and mitigation strategies for COTS components
- Knowledge of EMI/EMC qualification and mitigation practices (e.g., MIL-STD-461, GEVS)
- Experience with simulation and analysis tools such as SPICE and Python
- Experience with Altium Designer or similar ECAD tools
- Track record of building and scaling engineering teams in a fast-paced, startup, or high-growth environment
- Experience with defense or national security space programs
- Familiarity with Agile hardware development practices
COMPENSATION
- Colorado Base Salary: $160,000-$220,000
- California Base Salary: $165,000-$230,000
- 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
- Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
- Work Location—this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations, with travel to other sites as needed.
- 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.