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Salary: USD 191,000 - 253,000 / annual
Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the Air Dominance and Strike (AD&S) program's technical execution. You will serve as the technical authority for critical Navy airpower programs, owning the technical baseline and leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through rigorous development, integration, and flight test of revolutionary airborne systems.
In this role, you will own technical development from concept refinement through detailed design, build, and flight test of new aircraft concepts. You'll leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to set objectives, build and mentor teams, and deliver real products on rapid timelines. Your responsibilities include:
• Leading technical execution across multi-disciplinary teams (aerodynamics, structures, guidance/navigation/control, propulsion, avionics, software) through detailed design, system integration, and verification
• Overseeing prototype fabrication and assembly, resolving engineering challenges during the build process
• Planning and executing comprehensive test programs including ground test, SIL/HIL integration, and developmental flight test to validate performance and expand operational envelope
• Guiding critical design trades, sub-system optimization, and interface management to ensure cohesive, high-performance air vehicle architecture
• Serving as technical authority for system safety and partnering with test teams to develop data and artifacts for military flight releases
• Acting as lead technical problem-solver, driving root cause analysis and implementing solutions for integration and testing issues
• Partnering with manufacturing engineering to ensure design-for-manufacturability/assembly and supporting transition to production
• Supporting deployed flight test and demonstration activities at customer and test sites
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep involvement in day-to-day technical execution and decision-making at the programmatic level.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Experience as Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, or senior technical leader on a carrier-based Navy aircraft program
• Deep, hands-on experience leading a multi-disciplinary team through at least one major phase of aircraft Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), such as 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 carrier suitability
• Strong understanding of the "why" behind vehicle and systems design
• Experience working 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with developmental flight test, including test planning, risk management, and data analysis
• Direct experience leading prototype build of a UAS at Group 3 or above
• Prior experience with DoD technology development organizations (DARPA, AFRL) on advanced flight programs
• Background in "Skunk Works," "Phantom Works," or fast-paced startup environment focused on rapid hardware prototyping
• Experience with wide range of manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, and automated assembly
• "Player-coach" leadership style with willingness to be deeply involved in day-to-day build
• Active Top Secret security clearance
