Chief Engineer, Tactical Recon and Strike

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Chief Engineer at Anduril, you will be a pivotal force in the Tactical Recon & Strike division, working on cutting-edge products like Altius, Anvil, Bolt, and Ghost. This role demands a tenacious problem-solver with a cross-functional background in electrical engineering, controls engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and small drone systems development. You will drive the technical direction, ensure robust product design, and guide cross-functional teams to deliver critical capabilities that empower our mission. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about building revolutionary defense technology from the ground up, we encourage you to apply.

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance. This position will be located at our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA (relocation benefits provided.)

What You’ll Do

Lead technical execution from vision & initial design, through fabrication, test and production

Develop systems that support expeditionary operation, intuitive setup and use by warfighters, and modular expansion of sensors

Setup trades to enable exploration of early designs while working closely with technical SMEs and Business Development teams to find the right solution for current and future gaps in capability

Operate at the intersection of software and hardware helping to craft a system level architecture that supports a robust and cost effective design

Define product milestones, lead technical design reviews, guide cross-functional product decisions, manage engineering risk

Coordinate the fabrication of prototype and low-rate production articles and subsystem/system level test efforts

Work with senior leadership to ensure resource plans are adequate for work scope

Support remote troubleshooting and operation of deployed systems

Conduct hands-on, in-field testing

Create and carry out a verification and validation plan for the end to end system

Required Qualifications

12+ years of direct experience in a senior role leading system design and development from initial concept through test and delivery to customers

Basic understanding of Aerodynamics, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Control Actuation Servos, and how those disciplines relate to overall system performance.

Technical Bachelor’s degree such as Robotics, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software engineering, or equivalent experience in a relevant field

Experience with data analysis, rapid prototyping, and early-stage customer deployment

Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic systems

Familiarity with concepts of mechatronic design, firmware + software system design, sensor physics, tracking & calibration, and data-backed decision making.

Ability to engage technically with mechanical, electrical, firmware, sensors, and robotics software leads

Ability to lead a cross-functional team through design trades while meeting program deadlines

High ownership, mission-oriented mentality. Desire to see the product meet the end need of the customer.

Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with strong verbal & written communication skills

A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture

Desire to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance

Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution

Real-world operational experience with small UAS systems in a military context desired

US Salary Range

$254,000—$336,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

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