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Deputy Chief Engineer, PES

Costa Mesa, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

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

As part of the larger Tactical Recon & Strike division, the Precision Engagement Systems (PES) team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-2) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Anvil and Bolt from paper sketches 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
$146,000$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: 

Healthcare Benefits 

  • US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. 
  • UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. 
  • IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. 

Additional Benefits 

  • Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees. 
  • Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs. 
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting. 
  • Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available. 
  • Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development 
  • Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. 
  • Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. 

Retirement Savings Plan 

  • US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. 
  • UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. 
  • AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. 

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. 

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

About Anduril

Anduril

Anduril Industries is one of the fastest-growing defense technology companies in the United States, building advanced autonomous systems, AI-powered software, drones, and surveillance technologies for the U.S. military and allied partners. Founded in 2017, the company is helping modernize national defense through cutting-edge systems designed for land, sea, air, and space operations. Its core platform, Lattice OS, connects sensors, autonomous systems, and battlefield data to improve real-time decision-making for military operators.

For job seekers, Anduril offers the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced technologies in defense, including autonomous aircraft, counter-drone systems, robotics, AI, computer vision, and next-generation military platforms. The company hires across software engineering, hardware engineering, manufacturing, program management, operations, cybersecurity, and national security roles—making it especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to build technology with real mission impact.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Anduril operates with a fast-moving, startup-style culture focused on rapid innovation and deploying capabilities in months instead of years. Employees often describe the environment as mission-driven, highly technical, and engineering-focused, attracting professionals who want to solve difficult national security challenges while working with modern software and hardware development approaches.

As defense spending increasingly prioritizes autonomy, AI, drones, and advanced sensing systems, Anduril continues to expand rapidly and invest heavily in growth. With major government programs, rising demand for autonomous defense technologies, and significant investment backing, Anduril has become one of the most closely watched employers in the defense technology sector for professionals seeking a high-growth career with meaningful national security impact.

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