Senior Principal Chief Engineer, Space Special Programs

Anduril Industries

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Chantilly, VAHerndon, VA
Salary: $292,000–$386,000 / yr
Posted: 15 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $196k

This role $339k

$138k most similar roles pay here $413k

This role pays more than 99% of similar roles. Most pay $167,500–$223,700 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $339k versus about $196k 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.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Principal Chief Engineer, Space Special Programs

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As the Senior Principal Chief Engineer, Space Special Programs, you will join a multidisciplinary team developing, testing, and operating unique spacecraft systems within a complex space architecture. You will be responsible for designing spacecraft architectures, creating conceptual designs for missions and payloads, and managing tactical engineering efforts across various disciplines. Your daily work involves drafting test plans for critical subsystems, establishing interface controls for hardware and electrical integration, and conducting hands-on spacecraft testing and benchtop prototyping. The role requires expertise in systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering to move projects from clean sheet designs to functional flight hardware. You will mentor engineers while navigating the complexities of space development lifecycles. Key technical requirements include experience with electronics troubleshooting, basic test equipment, and potentially designing RF transponders for small form-factor equipment within a defense context.

Skills

Systems Engineering Spacecraft Design Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering RF Transponders Electronics Troubleshooting Test Planning Prototyping

What you'll do

Design spacecraft architectures and conceptual mission designs for payloads.
Manage tactical engineering efforts by coordinating between different engineering and test disciplines.
Develop interface controls for hardware, systems, and electrical integration of complex payloads.
Draft and execute test plans for critical subsystems and vehicle-level acceptance testing.
Oversee the build, benchtop testing, and delivery of spacecraft components.
Conduct hands-on spacecraft testing and participate in launch-site and on-orbit operations.
Mentor engineers on the technical aspects of small spacecraft design and testing.
Lead a team of engineers to deliver flight-ready hardware from initial design to completion.

What we're looking for

Must be a U.S. citizen able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
25+ years of industry experience designing spacecraft and subsystems while participating in integration and operation campaigns.
10+ years of industry experience working with, understanding, and designing spacecraft system architectures.
10+ years of industry experience leading a team of engineers to implement and deliver space flight hardware.
Familiarity with systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering concepts and practicalities of integration and test campaigns.
Proven track record in conceptual design, vehicle system architectures, and progressing from clean sheet design to functioning hardware.
Knowledge of electronics troubleshooting, use of basic test equipment, and ability to manage a team of engineers.
Experience designing RF transponders, small form-factor RF equipment, and manufacturing or flight testing (preferred).

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