Drone Mission Solutions Engineer

Slope; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers to build a powerful robotics platform for real-time control and testing.

You will lead rapid prototyping, testing, and mission-focused development across software, hardware, and testing disciplines, with travel and security clearance prerequisites.

Qualifications

• Experience with Ardupilot/PX4.
• Experience with RC systems.
• Part 107 operator license.
• Willingness to travel (<30%).
• Understanding of aerodynamics and IMUs in system performance.
• Experience with data analysis and rapid prototyping.
• Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic systems.
• 3D printing, soldering, component assembly.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution from vision through prototyping and testing.
• Develop surrogate aircraft to accelerate live flight testing.
• Create systems enabling expeditionary operation and modular sensor expansion.
• Collaborate with SMEs and BD teams to address capability gaps.
• Operate at the software-hardware-testing intersection to craft a robust system architecture.
• Support prototype and low-rate production test efforts.
• Assist in remote troubleshooting and mission planning.

Skills

ArduPilot/PX4

RC systems

Part 107 operator

Flight testing

3D printing

Soldering

Robotics hardware

ROS/firmware integration

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

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.

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 Tactical Recon & Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from concepts to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.

About the Job

• Accountable for the success and execution of critical early-stage software and hardware efforts, inclusive of new drone products and expanding feature sets across a fielded fleet. Focus on rapid development, integration, and operations of drones. Drive & de-risk strategic solutions to ambiguous problems in partnership with operations members and internal functional teams.
• You will be responsible for expediting engineering solutions to the warfighter’s hardest problems via rapid development iteration, testing, and critical feedback. You will be a pilot, engineer, innovator, and operations specialist for Anduril’s autonomous systems. This is a tactical role - requiring persistent and regimented testing that meets the need of fast-paced development efforts while maintaining safety.

Rapid Prototyping & Validation

• Unblock enginering progress. This spans from RCA efforts on critical engineering issues to finding mechanisms to unblock the functional teams where stuck.
• Embody an experimental approach to rapid validation of new algorithms and subsystems.
• Provide creative solutions to test and iterate our solutions in representative conditions that mirror our customers and the evolving battlefield.

Operational Testing & Mission Validation

• Maintain an organized approach to regular testing and feedback
• Create, validate and deliver test points for a variety of stakeholders across the TRS organization

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical execution from vision & initial design, through prototyping and first successful testing
• Develop & own surrogate aircraft with the goal of accelerating our ability to test algorithms in live flight
• Develop systems that support expeditionary operation, intuitive setup and use by warfighters, and modular expansion of sensors
• Setup trades to enable exploration of early designs while working closely with technical SMEs and Business Development teams to find the right solution for current and future gaps in capability
• Operate at the intersection of software, hardware, and testing helping to craft a system level architecture that supports a robust and cost effective design
• Execute and support prototype and low-rate production articles and subsystem/system level test efforts
• Support remote troubleshooting and operation of deployed systems
• Prepare mission cards and assist in planning the flight missions to meet Engineering and Program requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with Ardupilot / PX4
• Experience with RC systems
• Part 107 operator
• Willingness to travel (<30%)
• Basic understanding of Aerodynamics, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Control Actuation Servos, and how those disciplines relate to overall system performance.
• Experience with data analysis, rapid prototyping, and early-stage customer deployment
• Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic systems
• 3D printing, soldering, component assembly
• Ability to engage technically with mechanical, electrical, firmware, sensors, and robotics software leads
• Travel on short notice to fulfill operational needs if and when those needs arise.
• High ownership, mission-oriented mentality. Desire to see the product meet the end need of the customer.
• A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
• Desire to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance
• Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution
• Real-world operational experience with small UAS systems in a military context desired

US Salary Range

$146,000 — $194,000 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.