Principal Ground System Engineer

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Denver, CO
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense
The Role
Lead strategic initiatives for ground systems engineering, enhancing satellite operations, ensuring compliance, and managing cross-functional teams while maintaining cybersecurity standards.
Summary Generated by Built In

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

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Program Manager with expertise in Ground Systems Engineering to lead critical strategic program initiatives and technical development for advanced cloud-based ground infrastructure systems designed for rapid, resilient satellite command and control. The role will drive the effective integration and implementation of agile, responsive satellite operations, significantly enhancing space security and national defense capabilities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Program Management:

  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for highly complex ground systems programs supporting dynamic satellite operations.
  • Develop and oversee comprehensive program baselines including cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, including senior-level systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, communications experts, IT professionals, mission operations personnel, and finance managers.
  • Manage subcontractor relationships, ensuring exceptional quality and timely delivery aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Conduct executive-level internal and external program reviews, offering strategic recommendations and insights. 

Advanced Ground System Design & Architecture: 

  • Partner closely with internal executive teams, senior stakeholders, and external partners to define strategic mission objectives, operational concepts, and high-level system requirements.
  • Direct architecture design and development of sophisticated cloud-based ground system solutions enabling rapid, resilient satellite command and control operations.
  • Oversee strategic trade studies, feasibility assessments, and comprehensive risk analyses to achieve resilience and rapid responsiveness.
  • Ensure seamless integration of advanced cloud-based software and hardware interfaces with diverse satellite platforms. 

System Integration, Testing & Operations Excellence: 

  • Lead high-stakes integration, testing, and validation phases, ensuring the operational readiness and scalability of cloud infrastructure.
  • Develop strategic operational procedures and implement best practices for the deployment, maintenance, and anomaly resolution of ground systems.
  • Facilitate coordination among satellite operators, mission teams, and stakeholders to maintain real-time operational excellence and mission readiness. 

Cybersecurity & Compliance: 

  • Ensure ground systems rigorously comply with cybersecurity standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
  • Provide strategic guidance and collaborate with cybersecurity teams to perform risk assessments and implement comprehensive protective measures aligned with DoD, NASA, and other pertinent policies. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Management, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 12 years experience (10 years with a graduate degree) managing aerospace, engineering, or software development programs.
  • At least 7 years specialized experience in Ground Systems Engineering, ideally focused on satellite or missile systems utilizing cloud infrastructure.
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in cloud-based command and control systems, agile software methodologies, satellite operations, and relevant technologies (RF, SATCOM, TT&C, TCP/IP, CCSDS).
  • Proven executive-level leadership experience managing large, cross-functional teams and successfully delivering complex, strategic programs.
  • Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, executive presentation, and communication skills.
  • Active U.S. security clearance (TS/SCI or higher). 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Management, or related technical field.
  • Extensive experience with Space RCO, Space Systems Command, or similar government space defense programs.
  • Deep familiarity with ground system standards (CCSDS, MIL-STD), agile acquisition frameworks, and advanced cybersecurity protocols.
  • Proven track record managing geographically dispersed, agile development teams at scale. 

COMPENSATION

  • Base Salary:  $195,000 - $255,000 
  • 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, 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-Hybrid

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.

We value diversity of experience, knowledge, backgrounds and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, maternity or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Top Skills

Ccsds
Cloud Infrastructure
Rf
Satcom
Software Engineering
Tcp/Ip
Tt&C
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The Company
HQ: Colorado Springs, CO
131 Employees
On-site Workplace
Year Founded: 2022

What We Do

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.

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True Anomaly Offices

OnSite Workspace

Typical time on-site: None
HQColorado Springs, CO
Denver, Colorado
Los Angeles, California
Washington, US
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