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Modeling & Test Engineer, Re-Entry Vehicle (Ph.D. Entry Level)

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

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

YOUR MISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES 

True Anomaly is seeking a Re-Entry Vehicle Modeling & Test Engineer to support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions. The engineer will assist in the planning and execution of ground test campaigns at facilities such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and other high-enthalpy environments, working under the guidance of senior engineers and test leadership. Responsibilities include developing and applying physics-based models to inform test design and predict test outcomes, as well as providing support during test execution through data monitoring and preliminary assessments. Following test activities, the engineer will perform data reduction, analysis, and correlation to compare experimental results with analytical and numerical predictions. The role also includes contributing to the design and analysis of re-entry vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and materials behavior in hypersonic environments. Throughout these activities, the engineer will document methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across test, design, and systems engineering. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Qualifications & Experience 

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research focus in hypersonics, high-speed aerodynamics, or re-entry physics. 
  • Strong foundation in hypersonic flow physics, aerothermal heating, and heat transfer. 
  • Hands-on experience (academic or research-based) with modeling and simulation tools for fluid, thermal, or structural analysis. 
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental or test data, including uncertainty assessment and model validation. 
  • Familiarity with ground test methods relevant to hypersonic or re-entry environments (e.g., wind tunnels, arc jets, plasma facilities). 
  • Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports and oral presentations. 

 

Desired Qualifications & Experience 

  • Dissertation or research experience involving hypersonic ground testing or test-to-model correlation. 
  • Experience with CFD, thermal analysis, or multiphysics simulation tools commonly used in hypersonics research. 
  • Exposure to thermal protection materials or structures for re-entry vehicles. 
  • Experience working in team-based research environments with experimental and computational components. 
  • Interest in transitioning academic research into applied aerospace programs. 

 

COMPENSATION  

  • Base Salary: Denver - $180,000 - $245,000, Long Beach - $190,000-$260,000 
  • 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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

True Anomaly is seeking a Re-Entry Vehicle Modeling & Test Engineer to support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions. The engineer will assist in the planning and execution of ground test campaigns at facilities such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and other high-enthalpy environments, working under the guidance of senior engineers and test leadership. Responsibilities include developing and applying physics-based models to inform test design and predict test outcomes, as well as providing support during test execution through data monitoring and preliminary assessments. Following test activities, the engineer will perform data reduction, analysis, and correlation to compare experimental results with analytical and numerical predictions. The role also includes contributing to the design and analysis of re-entry vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and materials behavior in hypersonic environments. Throughout these activities, the engineer will document methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across test, design, and systems engineering. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Qualifications & Experience 

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research focus in hypersonics, high-speed aerodynamics, or re-entry physics. 
  • Strong foundation in hypersonic flow physics, aerothermal heating, and heat transfer. 
  • Hands-on experience (academic or research-based) with modeling and simulation tools for fluid, thermal, or structural analysis. 
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental or test data, including uncertainty assessment and model validation. 
  • Familiarity with ground test methods relevant to hypersonic or re-entry environments (e.g., wind tunnels, arc jets, plasma facilities). 
  • Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports and oral presentations. 

 

Desired Qualifications & Experience 

  • Dissertation or research experience involving hypersonic ground testing or test-to-model correlation. 
  • Experience with CFD, thermal analysis, or multiphysics simulation tools commonly used in hypersonics research. 
  • Exposure to thermal protection materials or structures for re-entry vehicles. 
  • Experience working in team-based research environments with experimental and computational components. 
  • Interest in transitioning academic research into applied aerospace programs. 

COMPENSATION  

  • Base Salary: Denver - $180,000 - $245,000, Long Beach - $190,000 - $260,000 
  • 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—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
  • Work 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.
  • Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Hybrid

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (IT 

  1. AR) 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.

We value diversity of experience, knowledge, backgrounds and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, maternity or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. 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.

 

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