Head of Autonomy

YOUR MISSION

Autonomy isn't a feature at True Anomaly, it's our competitive advantage. In space-to-space operations, victory is measured in milliseconds. When spacecraft operate in contested, unpredictable environments beyond reliable communication range, autonomous decision-making becomes the difference between mission success and failure. Human-in-the-loop isn't fast enough. Pre-programmed responses aren't adaptive enough. 

As Head of Autonomy, you'll define and scale the technical vision that enables our spacecraft to act, not react. You'll build systems that make optimal decisions under uncertainty in close-proximity operations, anticipate adversary behavior, and execute maneuvers without waiting for ground commands. This role owns the autonomy roadmap end-to-end, from foundational algorithms to flight-certified systems deployed across multiple product lines. 

You'll lead a small, elite team and shape how we design, validate, and deploy autonomous capabilities that outpace any competitor or adversary. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Own the autonomy vision and technical roadmap for all True Anomaly products, translating strategic objectives into concrete algorithmic capabilities and delivery milestones 
• Build autonomous decision-making systems for close-proximity space operations in contested environments where communication delays, sensor uncertainty, and adversary adaptation demand real-time intelligence 
• Develop game-theoretic frameworks for multi-agent space scenarios, modeling adversary behavior, optimal response strategies, and equilibrium concepts for space domain awareness and defensive operations 
• Integrate machine learning where it provides measurable advantages such as Multi Agent collaboration, anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and adaptive behavior, while maintaining the rigor and reliability required for safety-critical spaceflight 
• Recruit and mentor a world-class autonomy team, leveraging your network to bring in specialists across game theory, optimal control, and machine learning 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with GNC, flight software, simulation, mission ops, and hardware teams to ensure autonomous algorithms integrate seamlessly into operational spacecraft 
• Drive maturation of research into flight-ready capabilities, balancing innovation with the certification requirements and risk posture of operational space systems 
• Design and implement optimal control algorithms for spacecraft maneuvering, resource allocation, and mission planning under constraints (fuel, time, sensor coverage, risk tolerance) 
• Represent True Anomaly's technical vision externally, publishing research, engaging with the autonomy community, and establishing our credibility as leaders in the field 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Deep expertise in at least one of these three pillars, with working knowledge of the others:  
• Game theory—Nash equilibria, multi-agent systems, adversarial reasoning, differential games, or pursuit-evasion problems 
• Optimal control—MPC, trajectory optimization, Hamilton-Jacobi reachability, dynamic programming, or stochastic control 
• Modern ML/AI—reinforcement learning, imitation learning, transformer architectures, or other learning-based approaches 
• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Control Theory, Applied Mathematics, or related field (exceptional MS + extensive experience considered) 
• 8+ years developing autonomous systems for real-world applications, with at least 3 years in technical leadership 
• Demonstrated ability to ship autonomous systems  
• Proven track record recruiting, mentoring, and leading technical teams 
• Strong publication record or patents demonstrating thought leadership in autonomy, control, or multi-agent systems preferred 
• Ability to obtain a security clearance (active clearance strongly preferred) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Experience with space systems (orbital mechanics, GNC, spacecraft operations) 
• Hands-on expertise with C++ and Python for algorithm development and embedded deployment 
• Familiarity with probabilistic reasoning, state estimation (EKF/UKF, particle filters), and planning under uncertainty 
• Background in verification/validation of autonomous systems for certification or operational deployment 
• Network of top-tier autonomy talent 
• Has written papers for research that pushed the field forward or solved hard real-world problems 
• Can articulate why game theory is essential for space operations and how optimal control enables mission success 
• Knows when to use ML and when not to and can defend both decisions technically 
• Has hired and mentored engineers who've gone on to do exceptional work 
• Thrives in ambiguity  

COMPENSATION

• Colorado Base Salary: $175,000-$360,000
• California Base Salary: $180,000-$360,000
• 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, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—ideally this role would be fully onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office but we could consider fully remote if this leader is open to travel.
• 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-Remote