Software Engineer (Ghost)

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Family Health Coverage

16 Weeks Paid Parental Leave for All Caregivers

Unlimited Provisions

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to join their Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team in Costa Mesa, CA. This role involves developing cutting-edge autonomous systems and addressing complex robotics challenges using C++ and Rust.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovative technology. Responsibilities include contributing to the product lifecycle and collaborating across teams to optimize system performance.

Anduril offers comprehensive benefits, including full family health coverage and generous parental leave.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional software development experience.
• Hands-on experience working with and testing electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative solutions for complex robotics problems.
• Contribute to the entire product lifecycle from concept to deployment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in deployed systems.

Skills

C++

Rust

Linux development environments

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Python

Embedded systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• At Anduril’s Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team, we’re pushing the boundaries of aerial drone technology
• We’re the driving force behind groundbreaking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius, taking them from concept to fully operational systems that are reshaping the landscape of defense and security
• Our team tackles the entire spectrum of small drone development (Group 1-3), from the drones themselves to the critical equipment needed for testing, deployment, and operation
• In TRS, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, working with state‑of‑the‑art technology and pushing the limits of what autonomous systems can achieve
• As a Robotics Software Engineer on our TRS team, you’ll be at the forefront of cutting‑edge autonomous systems development
• You’ll tackle diverse challenges in autonomy, systems integration, robotics, and networking, making critical engineering decisions that directly impact mission success
• Your role will be pivotal in ensuring Anduril’s products work seamlessly together to achieve a variety of crucial outcomes
• You’ll develop innovative solutions for complex robotics problems, balance pragmatic engineering trade‑offs with mission‑critical requirements, and collaborate across teams to integrate software with hardware systems
• Contributing to the entire product lifecycle, from concept to deployment, you’ll rapidly prototype and iterate on software solutions
• Your “Whatever It Takes” mindset will be key in executing tasks efficiently, scalably, and pragmatically, always keeping the mission at the forefront of your work
• This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on next‑generation defense technology, working with state‑of‑the‑art robotics and autonomous systems
• You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, quick iteration, and delivering high‑quality solutions that meet real‑world needs
• Develop and maintain core robotics libraries, including frame transformations, targeting, and guidance systems, that will be utilized across all Anduril robotics platforms
• Lead the development and implementation of major features for our products, such as designing and building Software‑in‑the‑Loop simulators for advanced systems like Anvil
• Optimize performance of existing products, including tasks like improving battery consumption and route planning for our Ghost helicopter
• Collaborate closely with hardware and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle, providing timely feedback to influence and enhance final hardware designs
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in deployed systems, ensuring optimal performance in the field
• Contribute to the design and implementation of multi‑agent coordination systems for UAVs
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from concept and design through testing and deployment
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending and implementing innovations to improve our products and processes

Benefits

• Full Family Health Coverage
• 16 Weeks Paid Parental Leave for All Caregivers
• Family Planning & Support
• Incentivized Time Off
• Mental Health Resources
• Financial Planning
• Unlimited Provisions
• Professional Development

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and isn’t afraid to tackle ambiguous problems

You're passionate about creating transformative technology and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense capabilities

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Willingness to relocate to Costa Mesa, CA

Hands‑on experience working with and testing electrical and mechanical systems

Strong proficiency in C++ or Rust, with experience in Linux development environments

Demonstrated expertise in data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization

Proven experience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed software systems

Strong problem‑solving skills and a “Whatever It Takes” mindset

Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including hardware and manufacturing

3+ years of professional software development experience

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering)

Expertise in one or more advanced robotics areas: motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, or controls

Experience with performance optimization and metrics for complex robotic systems

Hands‑on experience programming for embedded systems and physical devices

Proficiency in Python, Rust, and/or Go, in addition to C++

Background in multi‑agent coordination, particularly with UAVs

Demonstrated ability to solve complex frame transformation problems (e.g., target localization, multi‑degree‑of‑freedom robotic arms)

Experience with real‑time operating systems and distributed computing

Knowledge of sensor fusion techniques and implementation

Familiarity with machine learning and AI applications in robotics

Understanding of aerodynamics and flight dynamics as applied to UAV systems

Experience with simulation environments for robotics testing and development

Track record of contributions to open‑source robotics projects or relevant publications