Lead UAV Systems Architect, Tactical Effects

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a senior systems engineer to design and integrate avionics and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. You will conceive architectures, prototype concepts, and guide cross-disciplinary teams through UAV development, testing, and deployment in a defense context.

The role requires deep systems thinking, hands-on prototyping, and willingness to travel; U.S. Top Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of industry experience in system architecture.
• Experience across systems engineering, mechanical, electrical, software and control theory.
• Proven track record from design to functioning hardware.
• Hands-on build and prototyping of robotic/aircraft systems.
• Willingness to travel for testing.

Responsibilities

• Architect upgrade and enhancement plans for UAVs.
• Prototype sizing and performance estimates for small drones.
• Draft system interfaces for new UAV products.
• Lead cross-disciplinary engineering teams through UAV design.
• Develop test plans and support vehicle acceptance testing.
• Analyze vehicle data to identify performance trends.
• Support build and bench testing of new systems.
• Conduct hands-on UAV testing with travel.

Skills

Systems architecture

Systems engineering

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Software development

Control theory

Prototyping

Test planning

Communication

Travel readiness

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a senior systems engineer to design and integrate avionics and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. You will conceive architectures, prototype concepts, and guide cross-disciplinary teams through UAV development, testing, and deployment in a defense context.

The role requires deep systems thinking, hands-on prototyping, and willingness to travel; U.S. Top Secret clearance is required.