Senior Tracking Software Engineer, Space

Anduril; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 191,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO and holiday leave

Relocation Assistance

401(k) retirement savings plan with options

Job summary

Anduril is seeking a Senior Tracking Software Engineer in Washington DC, focusing on advanced algorithm development for aerospace and defense applications. Responsibilities include leading systems engineering tasks, mentoring engineers, and transitioning algorithms to production systems. Candidates need extensive experience with tracking algorithms, proficiency in C/C++, and an active U.S. Secret security clearance. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with strong leadership and communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance required.
• 8+ years of experience in multi-target tracking algorithms for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in tracking algorithm development.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering and algorithm development tasks.
• Architect advanced object tracking algorithms.
• Design data association techniques and innovations.

Skills

Tracking algorithms

State estimation

C/C++ programming

MATLAB

Python

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Senior Tracking Software Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Washington DC. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced 2D and 3D tracking algorithms that maintain custody of space objects, processing sensor detections and messages into actionable tracks for space situational awareness missions. As a senior member of the team, you will architect and implement sophisticated multi-target tracking systems using cutting‑edge state estimation and data association techniques, develop physics‑based models to validate performance, and mentor engineers while working closely with software teams to deploy your algorithms into operational systems. You will drive technical decisions, lead design reviews, and serve as a subject matter expert in tracking algorithms.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead systems engineering and algorithm development tasks supporting space and missile defense tracking missions, providing technical direction and guidance to team members
• Architect and implement advanced object tracking and state estimation algorithms, including track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination
• Design and evaluate multi‑target tracking and multi‑sensor fusion approaches for EO/IR, RF, or hybrid sensor architectures
• Lead the implementation of advanced data association techniques including JPDA, MHT, nearest neighbor, and track‑to‑track fusion methods
• Drive innovation in data association techniques, exploring novel approaches and optimizations for complex operational scenarios
• Build sophisticated physics‑based models and conduct modeling and simulation including Monte Carlo analysis, recorded sensor playback, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing to validate tracking performance
• Lead performance analysis, trade studies, and simulation‑based assessments of tracking robustness under challenging conditions (maneuvering targets, clutter, countermeasures, degraded sensing)
• Collaborate with and mentor software engineers to transition tracking algorithms from MATLAB/Python prototypes to production C/C++ code optimized for real‑time operational systems
• Drive the systems engineering lifecycle including requirements decomposition, trade studies on tracking approaches, verification and validation planning, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Lead technical documentation efforts and present at design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and customer engagements
• Mentor engineers in tracking algorithm development, state estimation theory, and best practices
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for tracking systems, advising program leadership on algorithm performance, risks, and opportunities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 8+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing multi‑target tracking algorithms for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems
• Demonstrated technical leadership in tracking algorithm development, including leading design efforts, mentoring team members, or serving as a subject matter expert
• Deep theoretical and practical expertise with state estimation techniques, including Kalman Filters (EKF, UKF), multi‑target tracking concepts, and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters
• Proven experience developing tracking algorithms that handle track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination in operational systems
• Expert proficiency in algorithm development using MATLAB and/or Python with demonstrated experience transitioning algorithms to C++ for production deployment
• Extensive experience with modeling, simulation, and testing workflows including Monte Carlo analysis, sensor data playback, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with software engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to integrate tracking algorithms into operational systems
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting technical concepts to diverse audiences including engineers, program managers, and customers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in tracking algorithm development for defense or aerospace applications
• Experience in one or more of the following domains: missile defense or space systems; EO/IR or RF sensors; kill vehicles, interceptors, or countermeasures
• Extensive experience handling challenging tracking scenarios including track fragmentation, ghost tracks, sensor outages, and high‑clutter environments
• Deep familiarity with real‑time system constraints, embedded systems, or edge compute optimization
• Demonstrated experience leading efforts within the systems engineering design cycle, including requirements decomposition and traceability, algorithm design and trade studies, verification and validation (V&V), and documentation and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Experience with MBSE tools (Cameo, Rhapsody, DOORS)
• Experience with advanced tracking techniques such as Random Finite Set (RFS) methods, Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filters, or machine learning‑enhanced tracking
• Publication record in peer‑reviewed journals or conferences related to tracking, state estimation, or sensor fusion
• Experience briefing and interfacing with government customers (DoD, IC, or similar)
• Track record of delivering tracking solutions into operational systems or fielded products

US Salary Range

$191,000 — $253,000 USD

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.