SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 110,000 - 165,000 / annual
True Anomaly is seeking an experienced Mission Manager to lead and coordinate the planning, integration, and execution of aerospace vehicle launches for defense and commercial space missions. This role oversees all aspects of the launch lifecycle, ensuring safe, efficient, and successful execution of space launch missions. The position requires strong technical knowledge of launch systems, leadership in multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to interface with government and commercial stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
**Mission Planning & Coordination:** Lead planning and management of launch operations from mission concept through final execution. Define launch objectives and timelines in collaboration with program management, engineering, and mission partners. Develop detailed launch schedules identifying critical milestones and key dependencies. Serve as primary point of contact for launch operations, coordinating with internal teams, government agencies, and commercial partners. Interface with subcontractors and mission partners to manage requirements, schedules, and technical deliverables.
**Launch Vehicle Integration:** Oversee integration of payloads with launch vehicles, ensuring compatibility and compliance with mission requirements. Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve integration issues and ensure payload and vehicle systems meet performance and safety standards. Work closely with vehicle providers (ULA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman) to manage launch site operations, technical reviews, and flight readiness certification. Identify, analyze, and manage technical, operational, and programmatic risks. Develop and implement contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies. Conduct root cause analyses of issues during launch campaigns and ensure corrective actions.
**Regulatory Compliance & Safety:** Ensure all launch operations comply with U.S. government regulations (FAA, DoD, and other relevant agencies). Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols and launch site procedures. Lead pre-launch safety reviews and ensure compliance with environmental and range safety standards.
The role is hybrid with a primary office in Denver, CO. Some on-site work is required. Candidates must be located near Denver or Long Beach facilities.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (Master's preferred)
- 4+ years of experience in launch operations, aerospace systems engineering, or related field
- Demonstrated experience in spacecraft development and launch, including planning, integration, testing, and execution of space or defense missions
- Strong knowledge of launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and ground systems with track record of successful mission execution
- Expertise in launch vehicle integration, ground operations, and flight dynamics
- Familiarity with mission assurance processes and regulatory frameworks (FAA, DoD, Range Safety)
- Experience with launch planning and scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera, or custom tools)
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance
- Must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations
**Preferred:**
- Experience in classified or national security space launches
- Familiarity with various launch providers and their vehicles (Falcon 9, Atlas V, Delta IV)
- Experience with military or government launch operations (NRO, USAF)
- Active U.S. security clearance (TS/SCI preferred)
