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Chief Engineer, Next Generation 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

Leadership role responsible for technical development of new aircraft concepts from concept to flight test, owning the technical baseline and guiding multi-disciplinary teams to deliver production-ready air vehicles.

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 fabrication and assembly of prototype and development articles, resolving engineering challenges during the build process.
  • Drive the Test Campaign: Plan and execute 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 critical design trades, sub-system optimization, and interface management for 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 and artifacts for military flight releases.
  • Problem Solve & Troubleshoot: Lead root cause analysis and implement solutions during integration and testing.
  • Prepare for Production: Ensure design is production-ready (DFM/DFA) and support a smooth transition to production with manufacturing engineering.
  • Support deployed flight test and demonstration activities at customer and test sites.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
  • Experience as a Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or senior technical leader on a Low-Observable ISR and/or strike platform.
  • Hands-on experience leading 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 aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, systems integration with emphasis on survivability and mission systems integration.
  • Strong understanding of the "why" behind Vehicle and Systems design.
  • Experience on mission-critical DoD or advanced development aircraft programs.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Skills

Required:Technical leadershipSystem architecture and design trades

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary and equity grants included in total compensation package.
  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees (health, recovery, and other support).
Last updated Sep 30, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

defense-aero-and-safetyliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1wing-list-2026wing-list-2026-giga-stage
Company profileWebsite

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