This role pays more than
92%
of similar roles. Most pay
$170,000–$233,400
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$294k
versus about
$202k
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, Next Generation ISR joins the Air Dominance and Strike team as the technical authority for critical programs. This role involves leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through detailed design, system integration, and verification to deliver advanced airborne systems. The individual will own the technical baseline from concept refinement through prototype build and flight test while managing aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and software components. Key responsibilities include overseeing fabrication, resolving integration challenges, conducting root cause analysis, and ensuring airworthiness for military flight releases. Candidates must possess a strong foundation in mission systems integration and experience with low-observable ISR or strike platforms. The role requires expertise in hardware prototyping, manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing and advanced composites, and the ability to navigate complex aircraft engineering management on rapid development timelines for defense technology applications.
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 implement solutions for issues identified during hardware integration and testing.
Partner with manufacturing teams 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.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
Experience as a Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or senior technical leader on Low-Observable ISR 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 fast-paced startup environments (preferred); active Top Secret clearance (preferred).