Lead Engineer, Autonomous Fighter Platforms

Anduril-1; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 254,000 - 336,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Chief Engineer for Fury, an unmanned fighter program advancing through EMD. You will lead a multidisciplinary team to finalize design, oversee prototype fabrication, and execute a comprehensive flight test campaign.

The role demands technical leadership across aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, and avionics, with a focus on safety and production readiness in a fast-paced defense environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or senior technical leader on a complete air vehicle development program.
• Hands-on leadership of multi-disciplinary teams through major EMD phase (design, build, or flight test).
• Strong foundation across aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, systems integration.
• Experience with developmental flight test planning, risk management, and data-driven decisions.
• Background on DoD or advanced development aircraft programs.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for Fury, leading a multi-disciplinary team through design, integration, and verification.
• Direct fabrication and assembly of prototype articles and resolve engineering challenges.
• Plan and execute a comprehensive flight test program to validate performance.
• Guide system architecture and interface management for high-performance air vehicle.
• Ensure airworthiness and safety for flight release authorization.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions during testing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure production-readiness and transition to low-rate production.
• Support field operations with flight test and demonstration activities.

Skills

Leadership

Flight test

Systems integration

Trade-off decisions

DoD programs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline

Job description

Anduril Industries is seeking a Chief Engineer for Fury, an unmanned fighter program advancing through EMD. You will lead a multidisciplinary team to finalize design, oversee prototype fabrication, and execute a comprehensive flight test campaign.

The role demands technical leadership across aerodynamics, structures, GNC, propulsion, and avionics, with a focus on safety and production readiness in a fast-paced defense environment.