Anduril Logo

Anduril

Chief Engineer

Reposted 5 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Costa Mesa, CA
191K-253K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Costa Mesa, CA
191K-253K Annually
Senior level
Lead solid rocket motor programs from development to production, managing an interdisciplinary team and ensuring project execution to meet customer needs.
The summary above was generated by AI

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.


ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment.

ABOUT THE JOB

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical and project execution leadership to solid rocket programs throughout their lifecycle, from cradle-to-grave. The right person for this role has direct, hands-on experience with the development of solid rocket motors from concept to production, deep technical understanding of solid rocket motor design and production, and excellent project management skills. This role will also be supporting space propulsion efforts using solid rocket motors. If you are a hands-on leader, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and enjoy being the point person for getting a project across the finish line, then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead solid rocket motor programs from concept into production.
  • Own the program—have full authority and responsibility for its execution.
  • Generate program plans and execute to them.
  • Be the “face of the program” with internal and external customers.
  • Manage the day-to-day activities of an interdisciplinary technical team.
  • Coordinate activities with other Anduril Rocket Motor Systems organizations outside of Engineering, such as Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience with the design, development, and manufacture of solid rocket motors.
  • A  minimum of 10 years total industry experience.
  • Strong technical background in mechanical design, internal ballistics, structural analysis, or thermal analysis.
  • Strong project planning and management skills.
  • Well-versed in the application of systems engineering, particularly risk management and requirements management.
  • Ability to travel to other Anduril sites, customer sites, or supplier sites as business demands. Anticipated 25% travel.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced degree (masters or doctorate) in engineering or engineering management.
  • Experience with space propulsion, and/or orbital mechanics.
  • Experience with solid works CAD software and/or Abaqus FEA software.
  • Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance.

US Salary Range
$191,000$253,000 USD

 

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: 

Healthcare Benefits 

  • US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. 
  • UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. 
  • IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. 

Additional Benefits 

  • Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees. 
  • Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs. 
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting. 
  • Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available. 
  • Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development 
  • Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. 
  • Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. 

Retirement Savings Plan 

  • US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. 
  • UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. 
  • AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. 

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. 

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/. 

Top Skills

Abaqus Fea
Cad Software
Lattice Os
HQ

Anduril Costa Mesa, California, USA Office

Anduril HQ is located in sunny Costa Mesa, California. Once a working newsroom, printing press and distribution facility for the LA Times, our office — dubbed “The Press” — has robust facilities for software & hardware engineering, business development and mission operations, G&A and more!

Similar Jobs at Anduril

4 Days Ago
In-Office
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
220K-292K Annually
Expert/Leader
220K-292K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Robotics • Security • Software • Defense
Lead the development of a new Army Smart Helmet combining multi-spectral sensors and ballistic protection. Oversee R&D, manufacturing, and support cross-functional teams to create a safe, advanced product for military use.
Top Skills: Ar/VrCadCeramic Armor TechnologiesComposite Armor TechnologiesFinite Element Analysis
5 Days Ago
In-Office
Irvine, CA, USA
166K-220K Annually
Senior level
166K-220K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Robotics • Security • Software • Defense
As a Senior Program Chief Engineer, you will lead the development of advanced military technology, engage with stakeholders, and oversee project execution in a fast-paced environment.
Top Skills: Autonomous SystemsComputer VisionRoboticsSensor IntegrationSoftware Development
10 Days Ago
In-Office
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
254K-336K Annually
Expert/Leader
254K-336K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Robotics • Security • Software • Defense
The Chief Engineer will lead technical developments for spacecraft missions, focusing on dynamic operations, ensuring effective integration and delivery of hardware and software solutions, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
Top Skills: AIGevsGround SoftwareGuidance And Navigation SystemsHigh Dv Propulsion SystemsMil-Std-1540Optical SensorsSpacecraft Standards

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account