This role pays more than
99%
of similar roles. Most pay
$146,500–$203,125
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$294k
versus about
$175k
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.
Chief Engineer, Navy Airpower 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 new aircraft concepts, from initial concept refinement and detailed design to prototype fabrication and flight testing. The individual will manage system architecture, oversee integration, ensure airworthiness, and resolve complex technical problems during development. Key responsibilities include coordinating aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and software components while ensuring designs are production-ready. Candidates must possess expertise in carrier-based Navy aircraft programs, advanced flight programs, and hardware prototyping. Required skills include experience with ground test, SIL/HIL integration, and developmental flight test. The role addresses the challenge of delivering revolutionary airborne systems for military use by balancing technical risk with rapid execution speed to meet mission requirements.
Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through detailed design, system integration, and verification for new aircraft concepts.
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 teams 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 complex issues identified during the integration and testing phases.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to ensure designs are production-ready and support a smooth transition to manufacturing.
Support deployed flight test and demonstration activities at various customer and test sites.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
Experience as a Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, or senior technical leader on a carrier-based Navy aircraft program.
Hands-on experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through at least one major phase of aircraft EMD, such as design, build, or flight test.
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 with an emphasis on carrier suitability.
Experience working on mission-critical DoD or advanced development aircraft programs.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
Experience with developmental flight test, UAS prototype builds, DOW organizations, or fast-paced startup environments (preferred); active Top Secret clearance (preferred).