Technical Program Manager, Payloads

Job 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 True Anomaly is seeking a Technical Program Manager, Payloads with a hardware development background and a passion for building mission-critical systems that support space superiority. In this role, you will serve as the owner of program execution for payload development and integration. You will drive clarity, alignment, predictability, and accountability across payload engineering, spacecraft systems, software, manufacturing, test, security, and program office teams. You will lead complex payload programs from requirements definition through design, development, qualification, production, integration, and operational deployment. You will also manage vertical integration projects that connect payloads with the spacecraft bus, flight software, ground systems, launch operations, and mission architecture. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership. You will proactively manage risk, resolve cross-functional dependencies, guide tradeoffs, and create the structure required to deliver cutting-edge systems in a high-ambiguity, fast-paced environment. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of payload development and integration programs. Own program execution by defining delivery plans, managing scope and milestones, and driving accountability across engineering and cross-functional teams. Manage vertical integration projects supporting payloads, including interfaces with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground systems, manufacturing, test, launch, and mission operations. Serve as the primary delivery interface among payload engineering, systems engineering, production, security, and program office stakeholders. Translate mission and product requirements into actionable technical plans in partnership with engineering and program leadership. Coordinate payload development across the full lifecycle, including requirements, architecture, design, procurement, build, test, qualification, acceptance, and delivery. Drive interface definition and control across payloads and the broader space system; identify gaps, assumptions, and integration risks early. Participate in technical and architectural discussions, ensuring decisions support mission needs, delivery timelines, security requirements, manufacturability, and system reliability. Manage and resolve cross-team dependencies across engineering, production, security, test, launch, and program office teams. Maintain an accurate, real-time dependency map, integrated master schedule, risk register, and decision log for assigned programs. Plan and coordinate integration and test activities, including development testing, environmental testing, qualification, acceptance, end-to-end testing, and operational readiness. Proactively identify and manage risks, tradeoffs, and blockers; escalate issues and recommend decisions when schedule, scope, technical performance, or resources are misaligned. Track program performance using execution metrics such as milestone performance, schedule predictability, technical maturity, defect trends, test readiness, and release readiness. Maintain program dashboards and status reporting so stakeholders have timely, accurate information to inform decisions. Establish effective operating rhythms, including technical interchange meetings, program reviews, risk reviews, integration planning sessions, and executive updates. Drive continuous improvement in program execution, development processes, and cross-functional collaboration. Thrive in a high-ambiguity environment by creating structure, clarity, and alignment where needed. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 5+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, hardware development, or a related technical field. Understands the hardware development process and has experience delivering complex hardware or aerospace systems through development, prototype, test, production, and integration. Strong technical understanding of relevant space or defense systems, including satellites, spacecraft payloads, sensors, communications systems, missile defense systems, rockets, engines, or related technologies. Experience managing cross-functional programs involving hardware, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations. Experience with system integration, interface management, verification and validation, or end-to-end test planning. Experience with Jira, Confluence, and other program or engineering execution tools. Deep familiarity with Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid development processes. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences. Experience working on classified Department of War programs or other relevant national security programs. Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with shifting priorities and incomplete information. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  Background in aerospace, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or a related technical field. Experience managing payload development or spacecraft payload integration. Experience with spacecraft-to-payload, payload-to-ground, or other mission-system interfaces. Experience with integration and test campaigns, environmental qualification, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or end-to-end mission testing. Experience managing suppliers, subcontractors, or external technical partners. Experience with Power BI or other data visualization and program analytics tools. PMP, Agile, or other relevant program management certification. Experience working in a cleared, classified, or export-controlled environment. COMPENSATION Base Salary:  $120,000–$175,000 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, and experience ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Work Location —This role is based in Denver, CO. 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 know. 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 know.