Autonomy Architect — Maritime Mission Systems Lead

Anduril-1; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Benefits package

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Mission Autonomy Lead to own the autonomy software stack for a maritime autonomous vehicle. You will lead system design, mission planning, execution, perception, debrief, and software development infrastructure, reporting to the Mission Systems Lead.

You will guide cross-functional teams, ensure safety-critical software quality, and travel up to 25% for testing and customer interactions. A strong track record in autonomy and simulations is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Masters, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in autonomous systems, robotics, or AI/ML.
• Experience delivering software through full product development cycles.
• Demonstrated experience with autonomous navigation, planning, or perception systems.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and SITL/HITL testing.
• Experience developing safety-critical or high-assurance software.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time and mission-critical software systems.
• Experience with Linux-based embedded or real-time operating systems.
• Experience with version control and CI/CD tooling (Git, Jenkins, GitLab CI).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the autonomy software architecture — planning, execution, perception, and debrief — using open, modular architecture standards.
• Drive design of mission planning systems for autonomous aviation operations.
• Drive mission execution software that manages vehicle behavior during missions.
• Own perception systems that enable the vehicle to sense and interpret its environment.
• Develop mission debrief capabilities for post-mission analysis and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain software development infrastructure (CI/CD, simulation, SITL/HITL).
• Define interfaces between the autonomy stack and vehicle management system per MOSA principles.
• Manage autonomy deliverables across development phases, including SysML models and requirements traceability.
• Provide technical mentorship to software and systems engineers.
• Drive development of test and simulation fixtures for autonomy validation.
• Represent the autonomy subsystem in technical and customer meetings.
• Interface with Mission Systems Lead and Vehicle Systems on integration.
• Travel up to 25% to test sites and customer locations.

Skills

Autonomy software

C++/Python

Linux

CI/CD tooling

Security clearance

Autonomous navigation

Mission planning

Perception systems

Education

CS/Robotics/AE degree

Tools

Git

Jenkins

GitLab CI

Docker

Kubernetes

SysML

Gazebo/JSBSim

Job description

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Mission Autonomy Lead to own the autonomy software stack for a maritime autonomous vehicle. You will lead system design, mission planning, execution, perception, debrief, and software development infrastructure, reporting to the Mission Systems Lead.

You will guide cross-functional teams, ensure safety-critical software quality, and travel up to 25% for testing and customer interactions. A strong track record in autonomy and simulations is essential.