Chief Engineer, Conventional ISR

Anduril Industries

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Costa Mesa, CA
Salary
$253,000–$336,000 / yr
Posted
21 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $187k
This role $294k
$119k most similar roles pay here $359k

This role pays more than 98% of similar roles. Most pay $152,000–$222,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $294k versus about $187k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that builds advanced hardware and software systems for national security, including autonomous drones, surveillance systems, and the Lattice AI command platform.

Anduril Industries currently has 850 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $166,000–$220,000 across 821 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at Anduril Industries

At a glance

TL;DR · Chief Engineer, Conventional ISR

Chief Engineer, Conventional ISR joins the Air Dominance and Strike team as the technical authority for critical programs. This role involves leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through the entire lifecycle of airborne systems, from concept refinement and detailed design to prototype fabrication and flight test. The individual will manage system architecture, oversee integration, ensure airworthiness, and resolve complex technical hurdles during assembly and testing. Key responsibilities include coordinating aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and software components while ensuring designs are production-ready. Candidates must possess expertise in Group 3+ ISR or strike platforms and experience with mission-critical defense programs. The role requires proficiency in manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing and advanced composites to develop high-performance aircraft for military applications. Success depends on balancing risk and execution speed to deliver capabilities on a rapid development timeline.

What you'll do

  • Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through detailed design, system integration, and verification for airborne systems.
  • Oversee the fabrication and assembly of prototype articles while resolving technical challenges during the build process.
  • Plan and execute comprehensive test programs including ground tests, SIL/HIL integration, and developmental flight tests.
  • Manage system architecture by guiding the team through critical design trades and sub-system optimizations.
  • Serve as the technical authority for system safety to ensure all requirements for military flight releases are met.
  • Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot technical issues identified during integration and testing phases.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to ensure designs are production-ready and transition smoothly to manufacturing.
  • Support deployed flight test activities and demonstrations at various customer and test sites.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
  • Experience as a Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or senior technical leader on Group 3+ ISR and/or strike platforms.
  • Hands-on experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through at least one major phase of aircraft EMD.
  • Proven track record of taking complex aircraft systems from design into build and successful flight testing.
  • Strong technical foundation in aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, and systems integration.
  • Experience working on mission-critical DoD or advanced development aircraft programs.
  • Experience with developmental flight test, UAS prototype builds, DOW organizations, or rapid hardware prototyping (preferred).

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