Chief Engineer, Tactical Recon and Strike
Andurilindustries · Costa Mesa, California, United States · Posted Jul 3, 2026
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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
The Tactical Recon Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from concepts to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.
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.
M ust 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
15+ 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
$253,000 $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 (bu…