Staff Propulsion Analyst Engine Performance

YOUR MISSION

As a Staff Engine Performance Analyst at True Anomaly you will be the analytical backbone of our propulsion development programs. You will build high-fidelity models of thruster systems — from propellant feed lines through combustion and nozzle expansion — and work hand-in-hand with thruster designers to optimize hardware before it's ever built. Your expertise in engine balance modeling injector design and sizing and combustion stability will directly determine the performance and reliability of the next generation of in-space propulsion systems. This is a rare opportunity to do foundational analytical work on hardware that will operate in the most unforgiving environment imaginable. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own engine balance and cycle modeling: Develop and maintain integrated 1D engine/thruster cycle models in ROCETS Sinda/Fluint or equivalent tools to predict system-level performance identify design sensitivities and support architecture trade studies from concept through flight. 
• Lead injector analysis and sizing: Apply first-principles and empirical methods to size injector elements predict atomization and mixing efficiency and validate designs against performance targets. Translate model outputs into actionable design guidance for hardware engineers. 
• Assess and mitigate combustion instability: Perform stability assessments using analytical and numerical methods — including acoustic mode analysis Rayleigh criterion evaluation and sensitivity studies — and recommend design mitigations such as acoustic cavities baffle configurations and injector pattern modifications. 
• Apply CFD to combustion dynamics: Leverage CFD tools (Ansys Fluent Reacting Flow or equivalent) to characterize combustion dynamics flame structure mixing efficiency and hot-gas-side heat flux distributions feeding results back into design and stability assessments. 
• Develop thrust chamber thermal-fluid models: Build conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling models to predict wall temperatures heat flux profiles and coolant pressure drop ensuring hardware margin across the operating envelope. 
• Partner with designers and suppliers: Work directly with thruster designers and suppliers to interpret test data validate models against hot-fire results and close the loop between analysis and hardware performance. 
• Build lightweight design tools: Create accessible tools and parametric models that allow hardware responsible engineers to quickly size components and evaluate performance without requiring deep analysis expertise. 
• Define and execute evolutionary analysis plans: Structure the analysis program to mature in lock-step with hardware development and testing — increasing fidelity as data becomes available and design decisions demand it. 
• Establish analytical best practices: Define processes for in-depth analysis second-set-of-eyes reviews and parameter input standards. Build a culture of analytical rigor across the propulsion team. 
• Mentor and cross-train: Build analytical capability within the broader propulsion team including cross-training hardware responsible engineers on core analysis methods and tools. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. 
• 12+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster analysis. 
• Engine balance and cycle modeling: Demonstrated hands-on experience building and running integrated 1D engine cycle models in ROCETS Sinda/Fluint GFSSP or directly comparable tools. 
• Injector design and sizing: Significant experience sizing injector elements (e.g. impinging coaxial swirl) using analytical methods and CFD with demonstrated ability to predict and improve mixing efficiency and atomization. 
• Combustion instability assessment and mitigation: Proven experience identifying instability risk in thruster designs performing acoustic and stability analyses and recommending or validating mitigation strategies through analysis and/or testing. 
• Experience with 2-phase fluid modeling in propulsion systems. 
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling analysis. 
• Familiarity with the full thruster development process from concept trade studies through hardware qualification. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex analysis clearly to non-specialist stakeholders. 
• U.S. Citizen eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an analysis focus (advanced degrees count toward years of experience). 
• Proficiency across multiple propulsion analysis tools: ROCETS Sinda/Fluint Thermal Desktop GFSSP Ansys Fluent Flow-3D or equivalent. 
• Combustion CFD: Experience applying CFD (Ansys Fluent Reacting Flows or equivalent) to combustion dynamics including reacting flow simulations and heat flux prediction. 
• Programming skills (Python MATLAB or similar) to automate analysis workflows process test data and build parametric design tools. 
• Direct experience supporting thruster development test campaigns including pre-test predictions and post-test model validation. 
• Track record of innovative problem-solving in coupled thermo-fluid-structural problems. 
• Experience in a startup or similarly resource-constrained high-tempo environment. 
• Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production. 

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary:  $175000 to $305000

• 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 or Colorado Springs. 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 

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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