Mechanical Engineer, Space Based InterceptorsTooling & MGSE Design (Senior - Staff)
Leads design and strategy for tooling and ground support equipment for space-based interceptors, including precision assembly fixtures and handling systems, while managing vendor relationships and ensuring DoD/MDA compliance.
- Compensation
- $125K–$255K / yr
- Location
- Denver, CO; Long Beach, CA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Staff
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM field. Graduate degree strongly preferred for staff and lead roles.
- Minimum 8 years of professional experience in tooling, MGSE, or manufacturing engineering within Space Based Interceptors, missile systems, rocket propulsion, or munitions manufacturing. Staff and lea
- Expert proficiency in 3D CAD (CREO, NX, or CATIA V5) and PLM/PDM (Windchill, Teamcenter).
- Expert application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and advanced tolerance analysis; qualified to serve as technical checker for team and vendor designs.
- Proven record of managing complex missile defense tooling programs from concept through sustained production.
- Deep experience directing fabrication vendors: SOW development, source selection, performance management, and disposition of non-conformances.
- Demonstrated DoD/MDA regulatory knowledge: MIL-STD-882E system safety, ATF Employee Possessor requirements, and ordnance-adjacent manufacturing compliance.
- Executive-level communication skills; experienced presenting to senior program leadership, MDA program offices, and government stakeholders.
- U.S. citizenship required; active Secret clearance required. TS/SCI eligibility required for certain program assignments.
Nice to have
- Extensive direct experience as tooling technical lead on major Space Based Interceptors programs: THAAD, PAC-3/MSE, SM-3 Block IIA, GMD/GBI, Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), JASSM, LRASM, or equival
- Deep experience with kill vehicle integration tooling, canister and launcher assembly tooling, and precision interceptor handling GSE.
- Experience managing ATF Employee Possessor status programs and associated tooling and handling safety regimes.
- Structural analysis expertise (ANSYS, FEMAP/NASTRAN) qualifying lifting and handling equipment to ASME BTH-1 and MIL-STD-882E.
- Experience managing a tooling portfolio spanning 20+ active designs across multiple concurrent MDA or service-funded programs.
- Prior experience authoring missile handling safety assessments, ordnance tooling qualification plans, and ATF compliance documentation.
- Deep knowledge of solid rocket motor handling, assembly, and storage tooling requirements.
- Demonstrated expertise designing large structural weldments for aerospace GSE and tooling — welded steel frames, launcher support structures, integration stands, and handling bases — with proficiency
- Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
Full description
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.
BENEFITS & PERKS*
- Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
- Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
- Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
- And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
- Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.
*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles
YOUR MISSION
We are seeking a Senior or Staff Mechanical Engineer, Space Based Interceptors Tooling & MGSE Design to serve as technical authority and team leader for tooling and ground support equipment across our Space Based Interceptors programs. The title and scope will be calibrated to your depth of experience — at the senior end you will operate as a highly autonomous individual contributor with recognized domain expertise; at the staff and lead end you will own the full program tooling strategy, lead a team, set engineering standards, and serve as the primary interface with program leadership, MDA program offices, and government stakeholders. All candidates should bring 8+ years of tooling and MGSE experience within missile defense, missile systems, rocket propulsion, or closely related defense manufacturing domains. Specific level will be determined based on candidate experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as technical authority for Space Based Interceptors tooling and MGSE — from requirements definition through design, fabrication, qualification, configuration control, and sustained production support.