Engineering Manager, Software (Modeling and Simulation)
Laguna Beach, CA
About the role
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. 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 At True Anomaly, simulation is the backbone that connects how we design, test, operate, and train. From spacecraft engineering to real-time situational awareness through our Mosaic ground software, simulation underpins every decision and accelerates every mission. As Modeling and Simulation Manager, 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: $145,000 - $245,000 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.
