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Anduril

Lead Scientist

Posted 15 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
3 Locations
121K-181K Annually
Senior level
3 Locations
121K-181K Annually
Senior level
As a Lead Scientist, you will oversee rocket motor contract execution, manage internal R&D projects, and ensure compliance in energetic materials manufacturing.
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 – Rocket Motor Systems is seeking a Lead Scientist to join our organization. The Rocket Motor Systems business line designs, develops, and manufactures next-generation solid rocket motors for defense and space applications.

ABOUT THE JOB 

The ideal candidate has extensive experience with numerous types of energetic materials and demonstrated expertise in one area of solid composite propellant manufacture and formulation. This role requires considerable knowledge of energetic materials chemistry, significant experience in rocket motor manufacturing, and demonstrated effectiveness as the principal investigator on internal research and development efforts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

  • Execute production rocket motor contracts as the program propellant chemist
  • Act as the principal investigator on at least one internal research and development effort
  • Provide technical guidance on explosives chemistry and manufacturing
  • Maintain databases and analyze technical data to ensure specification and regulatory compliance
  • Support implementation of innovative techniques and technologies

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field plus two years of experience; or a master’s degree plus four years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree plus six years of experience
  • Minimum of two years of relevant experience within the aerospace/defense industry, preferably in solid rocket motor production
  • Demonstrated expertise in some area of rocket motor manufacture, e.g., composite propellants, energetic materials, case/nozzle/insulation design, solid rocket motor manufacturing
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, challenging environment
  • U.S. person status is required as this position will access export-controlled data


Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry with a concentration in energetic materials, polymer chemistry, or reactive materials
  • Minimum of three years of relevant experience within the aerospace/defense industry, preferably in solid rocket motor production
  • Demonstrated experience formulating propellants at laboratory or production size
  • At least one publication or presentation within the defense industry in a relevant journal or at a relevant conference

US Salary Range

$120,700$181,050 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:

  • Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
    • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.
    • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.
  • Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
  • Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
  • A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
  • Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.
  • Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

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.

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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

Top Skills

Chemical Engineering
Energetic Materials
Explosives Chemistry
Materials Analysis
Solid Composite Propellant
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!

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