Autonomy Systems Lead, Thunder Mission

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

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Mission Autonomy Lead to own the autonomy software stack for Thunder. You will define how the vehicle plans, executes, perceives, and learns from missions autonomously over long ranges and open oceans.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive system design, and mentor engineers, reporting to the Mission Systems Lead. Willingness to travel up to 25% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, 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.
• 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/mission-critical software.
• Experience with Linux-based embedded or real-time OS.
• 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, perception, and debrief.
• Drive design of mission planning systems for autonomous aviation operations.
• Drive mission execution software that manages vehicle behavior during missions.
• Own perception systems to sense and interpret the environment.
• Develop mission debrief capabilities for post-mission analysis and improvement.
• Build and maintain software development infrastructure (CI/CD, simulations, SITL/HITL).
• Define interfaces between autonomy stack and vehicle management system (MOSA).
• Mentor software and systems engineers on the team.
• Travel up to 25% to test sites and customer locations.

Skills

C++

Python

Autonomous systems

Robotics

Real-time software

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in CS/Robotics/Aerospace

Tools

Git

Jenkins

GitLab CI

Job description

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Mission Autonomy Lead to own the autonomy software stack for Thunder. You will define how the vehicle plans, executes, perceives, and learns from missions autonomously over long ranges and open oceans.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive system design, and mentor engineers, reporting to the Mission Systems Lead. Willingness to travel up to 25% is required.