Chief Engineer - Defense Imaging & Autonomous Systems

Anduril; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 191,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Imaging seeks a Chief Engineer to act as the technical authority, leading an engineering team through the full product lifecycle. You will coordinate with TPMs, secure resources across hardware and software groups, and provide hands‑on leadership to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.

The role demands multi‑domain expertise, strong communication, and prior success in defense or aerospace programs. You will guide product development from concept to production and support MRR readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience with senior technical leadership roles.
• Experience serving as a technical authority on defense, aerospace, or similar complex programs.
• Track record of delivering programs on cost and schedule in partnership with program management.
• Breadth across hardware, software, mechanical and/or electrical domains with informed trade‑offs.
• Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, including EMD and manufacturing readiness.
• Strong communication skills for conveying technical concepts to teams, leadership, and customers.
• Experience in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Authority: Own technical direction for projects, make key design decisions, and ensure system integrity across your portfolio.
• Manage Engineering Execution: Plan and track engineering efforts with TPMs, manage cost, schedule, and performance.
• Oversee Product Development: Guide products from concept through development, test, and production; coordinate MRRS.
• Scope Resources Across Functional Groups: Partner with hardware, software, mechanical, electrical teams to allocate resources.
• Support Production and Field Issues: Prioritize and drive engineering solutions for production and fielded‑system issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross‑functional coordination

Fast‑paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS or related field

Job description

Anduril Imaging seeks a Chief Engineer to act as the technical authority, leading an engineering team through the full product lifecycle. You will coordinate with TPMs, secure resources across hardware and software groups, and provide hands‑on leadership to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.

The role demands multi‑domain expertise, strong communication, and prior success in defense or aerospace programs. You will guide product development from concept to production and support MRR readiness.