Chief Engineer
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.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Conceptualize system architecture for upgrades and enhancements to existing vehicle systems
Conceptual designs of small drones including sizing, system performance and initial prototyping
Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms
Work within a team of multidisciplinary engineers and specialists throughout the life of UAV design and integration process
Manage tactical engineering efforts, interfacing between different engineering and test disciplines
Draft and develop test plans for critical subsystems, and support vehicle level acceptance testing
Develop interface controls for partners and customers for hardware, software, and electrical integration of complex and unique payloads with existing and new Anduril UAVs
Achieve maximum uptime by leading vehicle data analysis efforts to identify performance trends and develop predictive failure models
Support build and benchtop testing of new vehicle systems
Conduct hands-on UAV testing with occasional travel
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
7-10 years of industry experience including but not limited to system architecture
Familiarity with concepts of systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and control theory
Demonstrated experience with conceptual design and vehicle system architecture
Proven track record of progressing from clean sheet design to functioning hardware
Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic or aircraft systems
A passion for systems development, integration, and testing
Knowledge of electronics troubleshooting and ability to use basic test equipment
Extremely organized and detail-oriented
Excellent verbal written communication skills
A sincere commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution
Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience developing electromechanical system models to inform the design, operation, and troubleshooting of complex subsystems
Hands-on manufacturing and/or flight testing experience
Experience in design engineering
Experience in software engineering
Understanding of aerodynamics, avionics, and flight systems
US Salary Range
$191,000 $253,000 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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