{"id":3018659,"url":"https://alion.io/job/true-anomaly-staff-propulsion-analyst-engine-performance-2","title":"Staff Propulsion Analyst, Engine Performance","company":{"id":3381,"name":"True Anomaly","domain":"trueanomaly.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/true-anomaly","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":93,"open_postings":173,"ghost_share":0.029,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":101,"computed_at":"2026-10-29T05:49:05Z"}},"role":"Aerospace","role_family":"Aerospace","seniority":"staff","employment_type":"contractor","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Denver, United States","Long Beach, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":185000,"max":280000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":280000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"ANSYS","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true},{"name":"Thermal Desktop","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-05T20:46:01Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-07","last_verified_at":"2026-10-29T21:04:11Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":24,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":23},"description":"Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.\nOUR MISSION\nTrue 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.\nOUR VALUES\nBe the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.\nWhat would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.\nIt’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.\nBENEFITS & PERKS*\nBest-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options\n 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\nFuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees\n And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays\nEquity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.\n*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles\nYOUR MISSION\nAs 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. \nRESPONSIBILITIES\nOwn 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. \nLead 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. \nAssess 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. \n 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. \nDevelop 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. \nPartner 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. \nBuild 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. \nDefine 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. \nEstablish 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. \nMentor and cross-train: Build analytical capability within the broader propulsion team, including cross-training hardware responsible engineers on core analysis methods and tools. \nQUALIFICATIONS\nBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. \n12+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster analysis. \nEngine 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. \nInjector 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. \nCombustion 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. \nExperience with 2-phase fluid modeling in propulsion systems. \nExperience with conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling analysis. \nFamiliarity with the full thruster development process, from concept trade studies through hardware qualification. \nExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex analysis clearly to non-specialist stakeholders. \nU.S. Citizen, eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance. \nPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE\nMaster's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an analysis focus (advanced degrees count toward years of experience). \nProficiency across multiple propulsion analysis tools: ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, Thermal Desktop, GFSSP, Ansys Fluent, Flow-3D, or equivalent. \nCombustion CFD: Experience applying CFD (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flows, or equivalent) to combustion dynamics, including reacting flow simulations and heat flux prediction. \nProgramming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate analysis workflows, process test data, and build parametric design tools. \nDirect experience supporting thruster development test campaigns, including pre-test predictions and post-test model validation. \nTrack record of innovative problem-solving in coupled thermo-fluid-structural problems. \nExperience in a startup or similarly resource-constrained, high-tempo environment. \nFamiliarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production. \nCOMPENSATION\nBase Salary: $185,000 to $280,000\nEquity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave \nYour actual level and base salary will be determinedon a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. \nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS\nWork 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.\nRemote -For exceptionally qualified candidates who live outside a reasonable commuting distance of our Centennial or Long Beach offices, remote work within the U.S. may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and approval. Remote eligibility is not guaranteed and will be confirmed at the offer stage. Remote employees are expected to travel to a primary office about once a month. Any remote work must be performed from an approved location within the U.S. meeting the Company's security requirements\nWork 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.\nPhysical demands -the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.\nThis position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submityour application, please follow the directions below.\n#LI-Onsite \nTo 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.\nTrue 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 know.\nTo protect candidates and our company from application fraud and impersonation, we use third-party tools to verify applicant identity and detect fraudulent applications. 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