As Engineering Manager, Software (Modeling and Simulation), you will build and lead a team of modeling and simulation engineers who develop high-fidelity physics-based models and digital twin capabilities that support spacecraft design, testing, and operations. You will be responsible for team growth, performance, and delivery while ensuring alignment with the broader simulation roadmap. You will translate technical vision into execution, develop talent, and create the processes and culture that enable your team to deliver validated, scalable simulation tools that evolve with real-world data. Your primary focus is people leadership, with technical contributions focused on strategic direction, architecture reviews, and maintaining credibility with your team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Oversight & Strategic Contributions
Provide technical direction on modeling architecture, validation strategies, and integration approaches
Review and approve technical designs, major architectural decisions, and model validation plans
Participate in all aspects of a project's development lifecycle, including design, implementation, and verification. Lead the team by example, setting the standard for technical work. (approximately 35% of time)
Define modeling standards, best practices, and documentation requirements that embed simulation throughout the product lifecycle
Strategic Planning & Execution
Define and own the team roadmap in collaboration with the Head of Simulation, balancing near-term delivery with long-term capability development
Translate organizational strategy and technical vision into actionable team objectives and quarterly goals
Prioritize work and allocate resources across competing demands
Manage dependencies and coordinate with other engineering managers to ensure successful cross-functional delivery
Track and communicate team progress, risks, and blockers to leadership and stakeholders
Drive continuous improvement in team processes, tools, and workflows to increase velocity and quality
Work with technical program managers to scope projects, estimate timelines, and commit to deliverables
Team Leadership & People Management
Build, grow, and lead a team of modeling and simulation engineers through recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention
Provide direct people management including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and career development
Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Develop individual contributors into technical leaders through mentorship, coaching, and growth opportunities
Manage team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and ensure healthy team communication and collaboration
Facilitate knowledge sharing, cross-training, and documentation practices to build team resilience and institutional knowledge
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related technical field; Ph.D. or Bachelor's degree with equivalent professional experience also accepted
Experience: 8+ years of experience in modeling, simulation, or aerospace engineering with at least 4 years in people management, leading teams of 4+ engineers
People Management: Demonstrated track record of building, growing, and developing high-performing engineering teams including hiring, performance management, and career development
Leadership: Proven ability to lead through influence, manage stakeholder expectations, drive execution in ambiguous environments, and deliver results through others
Technical Foundation: Strong foundation in spacecraft system modeling and simulation with depth in areas such as orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, thermal analysis, power systems, or propulsion (sufficient to provide technical oversight and credibility)
Domain Knowledge: Experience with physics-based modeling, simulation frameworks, and validation methodologies for complex aerospace or defense systems
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence senior leadership, translate between technical and non-technical audiences, and represent the team effectively
Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives into team strategy, prioritize competing demands, and make trade-offs that balance technical excellence with delivery
Process & Execution: Track record of defining processes, establishing team norms, and driving operational excellence in fast-paced environments
Collaboration: Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and drive consensus
Clearance: U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience managing geographically distributed or hybrid teams
Experience managing teams through full product development lifecycles from concept through operations
Track record delivering complex, multi-quarter initiatives requiring coordination across multiple teams
Experience with agile methodologies, sprint planning, and iterative delivery in engineering environments
Background in spacecraft flight dynamics, mission design, GNC algorithm development, or digital twin development
Experience with modeling and simulation for space domain awareness, proximity operations, or constellation management
Background partnering with product management to define requirements and prioritize features
Experience with resource planning, capacity modeling, and headcount justification
COMPENSATION
Base Salary: $160,000 - $250,000
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— this is a fully onsite position. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver or Long Beach office daily.
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 know.
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