Sr. Technical Program Manager, Autonomous Software (Air Dominance & Strike)

Costa Mesa, California, United States

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: Air Dominance & Strike

The Air Dominance and Strike Division is at the bleeding edge of modern warfare, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous combat. This is where audacious vision meets relentless execution: we design, develop, and deploy the next generation of collaborative combat aircraft, precision strike systems, and the intricate, AI-driven software that orchestrates their autonomous operations. This division is a crucible for innovation, tackling the most complex engineering challenges at the intersection of aerospace, robotics, and artificial intelligence, directly impacting global security.

We are actively searching for a Sr. Technical Program Manager – a true technical leader and strategic orchestrator – to command one of our most critical development programs. This is a rare opportunity to own the end-to-end lifecycle of groundbreaking software-defined autonomous systems, from disruptive R&D and rapid prototyping through rigorous testing, contract capture, and operational deployment. Collaborating directly with our Chief Engineers, you will be singularly responsible for program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk mitigation, ensuring our autonomous airpower solutions set an unrivaled global standard.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE: Leading the Autonomous Frontier

This pivotal leadership role demands a rare blend of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and relentless execution. Success hinges on your ability to dominate across four critical dimensions:

  1. Deep Technical Acumen & Systems Architect: Possess an exceptional understanding of complex software-defined hardware systems, advanced autonomy, AI/ML architectures, and embedded systems. You will not just manage technical efforts; you will critically assess design choices, identify intricate system interdependencies, manage interface risks, and drive foundational architectural decisions in concert with engineering leadership. Your ability to translate cutting-edge technical challenges into actionable program strategies is paramount.
  2. Uncompromising Execution & Ownership: This role demands more than oversight; it demands an owner. You will dive deep into technical details, proactively chart the strategic path, anticipate and preempt obstacles, and relentlessly drive initiatives to successful, on-time, and on-budget completion. Leverage your elite technical aptitude, strategic program management prowess, and inspirational leadership to deliver transformative capabilities that exceed customer expectations.
  3. Masterful Cross-Functional Orchestration: You will be the central nexus, orchestrating highly complex efforts across diverse and elite engineering disciplines (software, hardware, GNC, test), advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance. Your ability to forge consensus, resolve high-stakes conflicts, and champion program priorities across a rapidly scaling, high-performance organization is non-negotiable.
  4. Strategic Customer & Stakeholder Partnership: You will serve as a primary, high-trust interface with critical government customers and senior leadership. Beyond managing expectations, you will actively shape future program requirements, drive strategic discussions, and champion Anduril’s innovative vision. Your capacity to articulate complex technical roadmaps and program advancements with crystal clarity and conviction will be key to expanding our mission footprint.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: Command and Conquer

  • Architect & Command Program Trajectory: Lead, define, and relentlessly drive the full lifecycle for advanced autonomous airpower systems, with a significant emphasis on software-defined capabilities – from nascent R&D and rapid prototyping to full-scale development, rigorous integration, and strategic deployment.
  • Strategic Software Roadmap & Trade-off Authority: Own and aggressively optimize the strategic software roadmap, making high-impact, data-driven trade-off decisions that expertly balance aggressive development timelines, unparalleled technical excellence, and critical customer requirements.
  • Fiscal & Resource Mastermind: Proactively manage and report with precision on all elements of program cost, schedule, and resource allocation (human capital, advanced materials, capital investments). Implement decisive corrective actions and optimize resource deployment to meet and exceed aggressive program financial and delivery targets.
  • Pioneer Operational Excellence: Design, champion, and operationalize innovative, high-velocity program management methodologies, tools, and metrics specifically engineered for rapid, iterative software development within the unique context of defense acquisition.
  • Aggressive Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify, rigorously assess, and aggressively mitigate technical, programmatic, and operational risks, with particular emphasis on complex software integration, system safety, and autonomous performance in contested environments. Develop robust, anticipatory contingency plans.
  • Executive & Customer Statesmanship: Prepare and deliver compelling, high-fidelity strategic updates, critical recommendations, and deeply technical insights to Anduril's Executive Leadership, Board of Directors, and key government stakeholders. Your communication will be decisive and impactful.
  • Technical Visionary & Trusted Advisor: Serve as the critical bridge between world-class engineering teams and senior leadership, translating complex software and system architectures into clear, actionable strategic insights. Become the indispensable technical and strategic advisor to Anduril’s engineers and executives.
  • Build Elite Teams: Cultivate an uncompromisingly high-performing, innovative, and collaborative engineering culture within your program. Proactively assess team capabilities against future needs, identify critical talent gaps, and drive recruitment initiatives to continuously elevate team strengths.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance or the eligibility to obtain and maintain one.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline. An advanced degree (Master's, PhD) or equivalent exceptional technical leadership experience is highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive, demonstrably impactful experience managing the development and delivery of highly complex technical systems across their full lifecycle, with at least 5 years in a Senior Technical Program Manager or equivalent strategic leadership capacity.
  • Proven, unparalleled track record managing large-scale, mission-critical software development programs for safety-critical autonomous vehicles, complex aerospace platforms, or high-stakes defense systems. Your history must demonstrate consistent delivery of sophisticated software on time and within budget in highly demanding, ambiguous environments.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and complex problem-solving abilities, coupled with the agility to seamlessly oscillate between granular technical detail and overarching strategic vision (30,000 ft view).
  • Demonstrated ability to inspire, coordinate, and lead multiple internal and external, cross-functional teams within a fast-paced, high-intensity engineering or technology-focused organization.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate profoundly complex technical information and program status with unparalleled clarity, conciseness, and persuasive force to both deeply technical and executive-level audiences.
  • Deep, practical experience with defense acquisition processes, government contracting, and managing high-stakes customer relationships in the national security domain.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US: The Mission Demands You

  • Unrivaled Impact: This is not just a job; it’s a mission. Your work will directly shape the future of national security, delivering capabilities that protect and empower warfighters on a global scale.
  • Pioneer the Future: Work at the forefront of AI, autonomy, and advanced software, solving previously intractable problems alongside the brightest minds in the industry.
  • Accelerated Career Trajectory: Thrive in an environment that values aggressive ownership, rewards merit, and offers unparalleled opportunities for rapid growth and influence.
  • Empowered Autonomy: Operate with significant trust and autonomy in a culture that prioritizes rapid iteration, technical excellence, and impactful delivery over bureaucracy.
  • Elite Colleagues: Collaborate with a team of exceptionally talented, driven, and mission-focused engineers, scientists, and leaders who are redefining an entire industry.
  • Meaningful Purpose: Every line of code, every decision, and every program milestone directly contributes to safeguarding national interests and global stability. If you are driven by purpose and possess the strategic technical leadership to deliver, your place is with Anduril.

US Salary Range

$166,000 - $220,000 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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Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.

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By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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