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Chief Engineer, Conventional ISR

Anduril· Air Dominance & Strike : Autonomous Airpower Engineering : Chief Engineering
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Costa Mesa, CA$253k - $336kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Senior technical leader responsible for owning the technical baseline, leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through design, build, and flight test of new aircraft concepts for ISR/strike platforms, with emphasis on rapid development, system integration, and airworthiness.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Technical Execution: Own the technical baseline and lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team (aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, avionics, software) through detailed design, system integration, and verification.
  • Oversee Prototype Build & Integration: Coordinate the fabrication and assembly of prototype and development articles, resolving engineering challenges during the build process.
  • Drive the Test Campaign: Lead the engineering team in planning and executing a comprehensive test program, including ground test, SIL/HIL integration, and developmental flight test, to validate performance and expand the operational envelope.
  • Manage System Design & Architecture: Guide the team through critical design trades, sub-system optimization, and interface management to ensure cohesive, high-performance air vehicle architecture.
  • Ensure Airworthiness & Safety: Serve as the technical authority for system safety and partner with test teams to develop data/artifacts for military flight releases.
  • Problem Solve & Troubleshoot: Act as lead technical problem-solver, performing root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions during integration and testing.
  • Prepare for Production: Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure design is production-ready (DFM/DFA) and support a smooth transition to production.
  • Support deployed flight test and demonstration activities at customer and test sites.

Qualifications

  • Experience as a Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or senior technical leader on a Group 3+ ISR and/or strike platform
  • Hands-on leadership of a multi-disciplinary team through at least one major phase of aircraft EMD (detailed design, prototype build, or flight test)
  • Proven track record of taking a complex aircraft system from design into build and successful flight testing
  • Strong technical foundation across multiple core aircraft disciplines (aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, systems integration) with emphasis on mission systems capabilities and integration
  • Strong understanding of the 'why' behind Vehicle and Systems design
  • Experience on mission-critical DoD or advanced development aircraft programs
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Skills

Required:Leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering teamsSystem design and architectureAirworthiness & safety oversightPrototype build & integrationTest planning and execution (ground, SIL/HIL, flight)Manufacturing readiness (DFM/DFA)

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees
  • Equity grants included in full-time offers
Last updated Sep 30, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

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