Technical Program Manager (Payloads)

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Sponsored Healthcare: We’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive healthcare package is fully sponsored, ensuring you and your loved ones stay healthy and worry-free, so you can focus on shaping the future of space security.
• Generous Time Off: We believe in working hard and recharging fully. Our generous vacation policy gives you the flexibility to take the time you need to relax, explore, and come back energized to take on new challenges.
• Equity: Own an equity stake in True Anomaly as you build something transformative. With equity options, you’re not just working for True Anomaly; you’re an owner. As an essential part of our growth and future success, we want you to share in the upside potential!
• 401k and Roth 401k options: Plan for tomorrow with our 401K and Roth 401K options that put you in control of your financial future.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Your growth fuels our innovation. We’re committed to providing you with the resources and training to expand your skills, spark new ideas, and advance your career with us.- The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with shifting priorities and incomplete information
• 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
• Understands the hardware development process and has experience delivering complex hardware or aerospace systems through development, prototype, test, production, and integration
• 5+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, hardware development, or a related technical field
• Experience managing cross-functional programs involving hardware, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations
• Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred
• Deep familiarity with Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid development processes
• 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 working on classified Department of War programs or other relevant national security programs
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Background in aerospace, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or a related technical field
• Experience with spacecraft-to-payload, payload-to-ground, or other mission-system interfaces
• Experience managing payload development or spacecraft payload integration
• 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