This role pays more than
93%
of similar roles. Most pay
$159,525–$222,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$294k
versus about
$191k
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
1697 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$146,000–$194,000
across 1504 roles with salary data.
Chief Engineer, Space
The Chief Engineer joins the space team to serve as the technical lead for high-impact spacecraft missions focused on dynamic space operations, space control, and Rendezvous & Proximity Operations. This role involves developing technical strategies and roadmaps while overseeing the entire program lifecycle from proposal through assembly, qualification testing, and flight unit delivery. The individual will manage a multi-disciplinary team to build integrated hardware and software systems, including modular payloads and ground segments. Key responsibilities include performing system-level trade studies, managing engineering baselines, and ensuring technical integrity across mechanical, thermal, structural, electrical, orbital software, FPGA, firmware, GNC, and survivability domains. The role requires expertise in space vehicle design, payload integration, and high-dV architectures to address contested mission environments. Essential skills include proficiency in standard qualification methodologies like SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-1540 for complex orbital systems.
Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft bus subsystems, payload suites, and ground segments.
Develop technical strategies and roadmaps for space control and Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO) missions.
Manage the full engineering lifecycle from initial architecture trades to flight hardware delivery and on-orbit commissioning.
Oversee all program execution phases including proposal support, design reviews, qualification testing, and final delivery.
Lead a multi-disciplinary team across mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, and GNC disciplines.
Coordinate with external vendors and partners to establish test requirements and ensure technical integration.
Conduct system-level trade studies to balance risk, cost, schedule, and mission performance.
Communicate technical progress and complex briefings to internal stakeholders and government customers.
What we're looking for
Proven track record architecting, developing, and delivering defense or intelligence community satellite systems.
Hands-on experience in space vehicle design and payload architecture/integration.
Deep domain expertise in Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO).
Technical familiarity with high-dV spacecraft architectures, closed-loop relative navigation/GNC, and space-based sensing payloads across multiple orbital regimes.
Experience with standard space qualification and acceptance testing methodologies such as SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540, or GEVS.
Proven technical leadership experience on U.S. Government, DoD, or IC space contracts.
Strong communication skills to present trade studies and program milestones to executive leadership and government customers.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.