Head of Autonomy

YOUR MISSION

Autonomy isn't a feature at True Anomaly it's our competitive advantage. In space-to-space operations victory is measured in milliseconds. When spacecraft operate in contested unpredictable environments beyond reliable communication range autonomous decision-making becomes the difference between mission success and failure. Human-in-the-loop isn't fast enough. Pre-programmed responses aren't adaptive enough. 

As Head of Autonomy you'll define and scale the technical vision that enables our spacecraft to act not react. You'll build systems that make optimal decisions under uncertainty in close-proximity operations anticipate adversary behavior and execute maneuvers without waiting for ground commands. This role owns the autonomy roadmap end-to-end from foundational algorithms to flight-certified systems deployed across multiple product lines. 

You'll lead a small elite team and shape how we design validate and deploy autonomous capabilities that outpace any competitor or adversary. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Own the autonomy vision and technical roadmap for all True Anomaly products translating strategic objectives into concrete algorithmic capabilities and delivery milestones 
• Build autonomous decision-making systems for close-proximity space operations in contested environments where communication delays sensor uncertainty and adversary adaptation demand real-time intelligence 
• Develop game-theoretic frameworks for multi-agent space scenarios modeling adversary behavior optimal response strategies and equilibrium concepts for space domain awareness and defensive operations 
• Integrate machine learning where it provides measurable advantages such as Multi Agent collaboration anomaly detection pattern recognition and adaptive behavior while maintaining the rigor and reliability required for safety-critical spaceflight 
• Recruit and mentor a world-class autonomy team leveraging your network to bring in specialists across game theory optimal control and machine learning 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with GNC flight software simulation mission ops and hardware teams to ensure autonomous algorithms integrate seamlessly into operational spacecraft 
• Drive maturation of research into flight-ready capabilities balancing innovation with the certification requirements and risk posture of operational space systems 
• Design and implement optimal control algorithms for spacecraft maneuvering resource allocation and mission planning under constraints (fuel time sensor coverage risk tolerance) 
• Represent True Anomaly's technical vision externally publishing research engaging with the autonomy community and establishing our credibility as leaders in the field 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Deep expertise in at least one of these three pillars with working knowledge of the others:  
• Game theory—Nash equilibria multi-agent systems adversarial reasoning differential games or pursuit-evasion problems 
• Optimal control—MPC trajectory optimization Hamilton-Jacobi reachability dynamic programming or stochastic control 
• Modern ML/AI—reinforcement learning imitation learning transformer architectures or other learning-based approaches 
• PhD in Aerospace Engineering Computer Science Robotics Control Theory Applied Mathematics or related field (exceptional MS + extensive experience considered) 
• 8+ years developing autonomous systems for real-world applications with at least 3 years in technical leadership 
• Demonstrated ability to ship autonomous systems  
• Proven track record recruiting mentoring and leading technical teams 
• Strong publication record or patents demonstrating thought leadership in autonomy control or multi-agent systems preferred 
• Ability to obtain a security clearance (active clearance strongly preferred) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Experience with space systems (orbital mechanics GNC spacecraft operations) 
• Hands-on expertise with C++ and Python for algorithm development and embedded deployment 
• Familiarity with probabilistic reasoning state estimation (EKF/UKF particle filters) and planning under uncertainty 
• Background in verification/validation of autonomous systems for certification or operational deployment 
• Network of top-tier autonomy talent 
• Has written papers for research that pushed the field forward or solved hard real-world problems 
• Can articulate why game theory is essential for space operations and how optimal control enables mission success 
• Knows when to use ML and when not to and can defend both decisions technically 
• Has hired and mentored engineers who've gone on to do exceptional work 
• Thrives in ambiguity  

COMPENSATION

• Colorado Base Salary: $175000-$360000
• California Base Salary: $180000-$360000
• 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—ideally this role would be fully onsite at either our Centennial CO or Long Beach CA office but we could consider fully remote if this leader is open to travel.
• 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-Remote

What We Do

Space was once the quietest place in the universe. Now it's crowded contested and confrontational.  We are True Anomaly: the only defense company focused exclusively on space defense. Founded in 2022 by ex-U.S. Space Force members True Anomaly designs and builds advanced systems for space superiority: agile and powerful spacecraft platforms mission software engineered for unmatched command and control and payloads tailored for precision sensing and effects.    True Anomaly is headquartered in Centennial CO with regional offices in Colorado Springs CO Long Beach CA and Washington D.C.  We are hiring and seeking exceptional talent to join True Anomaly from any technical industry or background to bring unique talents perspective and solutions. If you embrace complexity lead instead of follow showcase integrity over ego take ownership for outcomes and measure success by impact we want to hear from you.

Why Work With Us

True Anomaly exists to enable a secure stable and sustainable space environment for the US its allies and partners. We design and build spacecraft and software solutions for space superiority. If you are ready to contribute to the future of space defense we’d love to hear from you.

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