Sr. Technical Program Manager, Autonomous Software (Air Dominance & Strike)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health and well-being support

Job summary

Anduril Industries, Inc. in Costa Mesa, CA, seeks a Sr. Technical Program Manager for Autonomous Software to lead the development and deployment of advanced autonomous airpower systems. This pivotal role demands extensive program management experience, a strong technical background, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams. An active U.S. Top Secret security clearance is essential. Competitive salary range: $166,000 - $220,000 USD. Join us in delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance national security.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• At least 10 years of experience in technical program management, with 5 years in a senior role.
• Experience managing large-scale software development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle for advanced autonomous airpower systems.
• Own and optimize the software roadmap.
• Manage program cost, schedule, and resource allocation.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks.

Skills

Technical program management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Sr. Technical Program Manager, Autonomous Software (Air Dominance & Strike)

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 real‑time, 3‑D 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: Air Dominance & Strike

The Air Dominance and Strike Division is at the bleeding edge of modern warfare, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in autonomous combat. Here, audacious vision meets relentless execution: we design, develop, and deploy the next generation of collaborative combat aircraft, precision strike systems, and the intricate AI‑driven software that orchestrates their autonomous operations. This division tackles the most complex engineering challenges at the intersection of aerospace, robotics, and artificial intelligence, directly impacting global security.

ABOUT THE ROLE: Leading the Autonomous Frontier

This pivotal leadership role demands a rare blend of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and relentless execution. Success hinges on your ability to dominate across four critical dimensions:

• Deep Technical Acumen & Systems Architect: Possess an exceptional understanding of complex software‑defined hardware systems, advanced autonomy, AI/ML architectures, and embedded systems. Translate cutting‑edge technical challenges into actionable program strategies.
• Uncompromising Execution & Ownership: Act as owner of technical details, chart the strategic path, anticipate obstacles, and relentlessly drive initiatives to on‑time, on‑budget completion.
• Masterful Cross‑Functional Orchestration: Orchestrate highly complex efforts across diverse engineering disciplines, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance; forge consensus, resolve conflicts, and champion program priorities.
• Strategic Customer & Stakeholder Partnership: Serve as primary, high‑trust interface with government customers and senior leadership; shape future requirements and drive strategic discussions.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Command and Conquer

• Architect & Command Program Trajectory: Lead, define, and relentlessly drive the full lifecycle for advanced autonomous airpower systems, emphasizing software‑defined capabilities from R&D through deployment.
• Strategic Software Roadmap & Trade‑off Authority: Own and optimize the software roadmap, making high‑impact, data‑driven trade‑off decisions that balance timelines, excellence, and customer needs.
• Fiscal & Resource Mastermind: Proactively manage program cost, schedule, and resource allocation; implement corrective actions to meet aggressive financial and delivery targets.
• Pioneer Operational Excellence: Design, champion, and operationalize innovative program management methodologies, tools, and metrics for rapid, iterative software development.
• Aggressive Risk Mitigation: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, programmatic, and operational risks, especially in complex software integration and autonomous performance.
• Executive & Customer Statesmanship: Prepare and deliver strategic updates and insights to executive leadership, the board, and key government stakeholders.
• Technical Visionary & Trusted Advisor: Bridge engineering teams and senior leadership, translating complex architectures into actionable insights.
• Build Elite Teams: Cultivate a high‑performing engineering culture; assess talent needs and drive recruitment initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain one.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience managing the development and delivery of highly complex technical systems, with at least 5 years in a senior technical program management role.
• Proven track record managing large‑scale, mission‑critical software development programs for safety‑critical autonomous vehicles, aerospace platforms, or defense systems.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and problem‑solving abilities; ability to shift between granular detail and overarching vision.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, coordinate, and lead cross‑functional teams in high‑intensity environments.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Deep practical experience with defense acquisition processes, government contracting, and high‑stakes customer relationships.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US: The Mission Demands You

• Unrivaled Impact: Shape the future of national security, delivering capabilities that protect warfighters worldwide.
• Pioneer the Future: Work at the forefront of AI, autonomy, and advanced software, solving challenges with the brightest minds.
• Accelerated Career Trajectory: Thrive in an environment that rewards merit and offers rapid growth and influence.
• Empowered Autonomy: Operate with significant trust, prioritizing rapid iteration and technical excellence.
• Elite Colleagues: Collaborate with exceptionally talented engineers, scientists, and leaders redefining the industry.
• Meaningful Purpose: Every decision and milestone directly supports national interests and global stability.

US Salary Range

$166,000 - $220,000 USD (base salary only; equity and benefits are also included).

Benefits

Anduril offers a comprehensive benefits package at little to no cost to employees, supporting health, recovery, and well‑being.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.