Chief Architect Missile Defense Software

Job description

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 to lead the technical development and execution of a next-generation missile defense program. This is a generational opportunity to architect solutions to some of the most formidable challenges in aerospace engineering includingautonomous re-entry vehicles, hypersonic GNC, and the orchestration of heterogeneous agents. You will be responsible for defining, guiding, and overseeing the engineering baseline across a novel missile-defense solution spanning interceptors, spacecraft, and ground software. It will fall to you to bring bold, creative solutions without sacrificing technical rigor, flawless execution, and mission success. 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

Architecture & Systems Leadership

• Define and own the end-to-end software architecture for the Common Ground Element and Fire Control Element, spanning mission planning, engagement management, decision logic, and interceptor command/telemetry.
• Develop and enforce architectural principles for scalability, resiliency, security, and autonomy across the CGE–FCE ecosystem.
• Ensure interoperability with space-based interceptors, host satellites, and broader command-and-control systems.
• Architect modular frameworks that enable multi-vendor integration and rapid evolution of algorithms, ensuring vendor-agnostic interfaces.

Technical Execution

• Lead the technical baseline for real-time fire control software, including adaptive weapon–target pairing, in-flight target updates, and distributed kill chain execution.
• Direct the design and implementation of data pipelines, including telemetry ingestion, decision-making algorithms, and mission visualization.
• Oversee cybersecurity architecture aligned with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and mission assurance standards.
• Drive integration of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and operational prototypes to validate software against high-fidelity raid scenarios.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as the senior technical authority across software teams, guiding principal engineers and system integrators.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, mission operations, and hardware development teams to ensure a unified engineering baseline.
• Interface directly with government stakeholders, industry partners, and subcontractors to align technical decisions with mission objectives.
• Mentor engineering staff, cultivating a culture of rigor, innovation, and accountability.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field .
• 15+ years of experience in large-scale, mission-critical software systems , with at least 5 years in a chief architect or equivalent role.
• Proven track record architecting real-time command-and-control (C2) or fire control systemsfor defense, aerospace, or comparable domains.
• Deep expertise in distributed systems, autonomy, and real-time decision-making architectures .
• Experience with DoD software standards , cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, Zero Trust), and mission assurance processes.
• Strong knowledge of networking, middleware, and high-availability architectures for space and ground systems.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in high-stakes environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with missile defense systems, battle management systems, or space-based C2 architectures .
• Familiarity with hypersonic defense engagement timelines and associated fire control challenges.
• Hands-on knowledge of AI/ML-enabled autonomy, simulation frameworks, and digital twin architectures .
• 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.