Chief Engineer, Fury Advanced Development & Prototyping

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 254,000 - 336,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Top-tier benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries is a defense tech leader seeking a prototype lead for air dominance programs in Long Beach, CA. You will own end-to-end build and integration of autonomous aircraft and lead a small team of engineers and technicians.

Role requires hands-on problem solving on the factory floor and close collaboration with suppliers to deliver flight-ready vehicles. A US security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading hands-on build and integration of complex aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
• Deep expertise in manufacturing and prototyping including composite fabrication and metallic structures.
• Experience moving a vehicle from detailed design release to first article and test campaign.
• Experience leading small, agile engineering and technician teams in rapid development.
• Strong foundation in mechanical/aerospace structures and systems integration.
• Expertise in Design for Manufacturing and resolving real-time production issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototype execution from part fabrication to flight-ready vehicle.
• Serve as the on-floor technical problem-solver for manufacturing, assembly and integration.
• Provide critical DFM feedback to ensure buildable, testable and scalable aircraft.
• Oversee fabrication, assembly, and integration of airframe structures, propulsion, avionics and flight control hardware.
• Develop and execute system integration, ground testing and vehicle checkout plans for flight tests.
• Mentor and lead a small team of engineers and technicians in a fast-paced environment.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure timely, on-spec hardware delivery.

Skills

Prototype build

Manufacturing

Systems integration

Design for Manufacturing

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Mechanical/Manufacturing Eng

Job description

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

The Air Dominance and Strike (AD&S) Chief Engineering Team is a driving force behind the technical execution and strategic vision of our most critical programs. They are responsible for architecting a vision for product development and guiding multi-disciplinary teams to deliver effectively. They are expected to own the mission and to be deeply involved in building the eco-system that enables execution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead Prototype Execution: Own the end-to-end technical execution of building first-article and prototype autonomous aircraft, leading the team from part fabrication to a fully integrated, flight-ready vehicle.
• Hands-On Problem Solving: Serve as the lead technical problem-solver on the factory floor, driving root cause analysis and implementing rapid solutions for issues in manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work directly with the conceptual design team to provide critical DFM feedback, ensuring the aircraft is not just performant but also buildable, testable, and scalable.
• Oversee Fabrication & Assembly: Lead the fabrication, assembly, and integration of complex airframe structures, propulsion systems, avionics, and flight control hardware.
• Manage Build & Test Integration: Develop and execute the plan for system integration, ground testing, and final vehicle checkout in preparation for flight test.
• Build and Lead an Elite Team: Lead and mentor a small, high-performing team of "doers"—engineers and technicians who thrive on building cutting-edge hardware.
• Supplier & Partner Integration: Direct the technical interface with key suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure hardware is delivered on time and to spec.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A proven track record of leading the hands-on build and integration of a new, complex aircraft or aerospace vehicle.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in manufacturing and prototyping, including composite fabrication, metallic structures, systems installation, and vehicle assembly.
• Demonstrated experience taking a vehicle from detailed design release, through a first-article build, and into a successful test campaign.
• Experience leading small, agile, multi-disciplinary engineering and technician teams in a rapid development environment.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical/aerospace structures and systems integration.
• Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and resolving real-time production issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience leading the prototype build of a UAS at Group 3 or above.
• Prior experience with DOW technology development organizations (e.g., DARPA, AFRL) on advanced flight programs.
• Background in a "Skunk Works," "Phantom Works," or fast-paced startup environment focused on rapid hardware prototyping.
• Experience with a wide range of manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, and automated assembly.
• Hands-on experience as a Test Director or lead flight test engineer for a first flight campaign.
• A "player-coach" leadership style with a willingness to be deeply involved in the day-to-day build.
• An active Top Secret security clearance.

Per Anduril's expansion plans, we anticipate this job will be based out of Long Beach, CA beginning late 2027.

US Salary Range

$254,000—$336,000 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:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.