Chief Engineer, Maneuver Dominance

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.

Mission:

  • We are seeking a Chief Engineer for the Maneuver Dominance Division to lead the convergence of technical efforts in developing an advanced airborne VTOL platform. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vertical flight focusing on air vehicle development and integrating mission autonomy to meet the evolving demands of defense capabilities.
  • Team first. You will have ample opportunity to make individual contributions. But the scale of this project requires us to multi-thread our efforts through a world-class team of technical contributors. You will be asked to help cultivate and guide this group along and ensure they are all moving in the same direction and executing at the highest levels.
  • Comfortable stepping into the unknown. Proven expertise in managing complex aerospace projects, with a history of leading such initiatives from concept through to deployment. We operating the technical edge and pushing autonomy into demanding environments. This role will challenge you during the course of product development and impose high-stakes technical decision making agency upon you across a broad array of highly-complex engineering disciplines.

What You’ll Do:

  • In the near term, provide technical leadership and oversight across all Maneuver Dominance projects, developing technology maturation road maps, evaluating vehicle concepts and supporting performance modeling in partnership with project leads.
  • Mid-term, enhance technical support for ongoing development efforts, expand the technical team, and collaborate with potential partners for vehicle selection and engineering integration.
  • Long-term, helm technical custodianship across an exciting portfolio of autonomy platforms that move into an ACAT I program(s) of record that are focused on solving critical and emerging needs for our customers.

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Robotics, Physics , or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years in leadership roles such as Technical Program Manager, Chief Engineer, or relevant position.
  • Leadership experience in engineering team management and project execution for aerospace or defense sectors.
  • Deep experience developing rotary-wing VTOL platforms.
  • Advanced proficiency in flight science skillsets and guiding the interrelated disciplines of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, GNC, aeroelastic, loads and dynamics.
  • Broad exposure to aircraft concepts, design layouts, static stability, control architectures and propulsion concepts.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and project success.
  • Strong project management skills, with experience using tools like JIRA and Confluence, and knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities, capable of engaging effectively with both technical teams and non-technical partners.
  • Knowledge of aircraft design principles, including familiarity with vertical lift, eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, as well as aircraft build and integration, and flight test execution/oversight.
  • Hands-on experience with the development and deployment of autonomous systems, particularly in rotorcraft or large UAS.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience with autonomous systems, specifically with the development and integration of rotorcraft or larger UAS.
  • Deep familiarity with unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft design, particularly eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
  • Knowledgeable in the nuanced integration of complex systems, such as launched effects, into aerial platforms, ensuring system compatibility and performance.
  • An extensive network within the aerospace industry, enabling effective collaboration and leveraging partnerships for product development.
  • Familiarity with Defense Acquisition Processes and a clear understanding of key review stages and compliance requirements.
  • Relevant professional certifications that underscore a commitment to continuous learning and application of industry best practices.
  • Customer-facing experience with a proven ability to lead high-profile programs and navigate complex client relationships with confidence and authority.

US Salary Range

$206,000 - $309,000 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:

  • Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision) that are 100% covered by Anduril for you and 90% covered for your dependents.
    • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.
    • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.
  • Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
  • Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
  • A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
  • Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.
  • Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.

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