Technical Operations Engineer, Ghost

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive equity grants

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Technical Operations Engineer for the Ghost program in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will bridge product engineering and deployment, ensuring high performance of aerial systems while tackling complex operational challenges.

Key responsibilities include supporting military operations, conducting field maintenance, and performing data-driven root cause analysis. Candidates should have 3+ years of relevant experience and be eligible for a U.S. clearance. Salary ranges from $113,000 to $155,000.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot critical site product components.
• Eligible for U.S. Top Secret/Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support military operations through flight operations and maintenance.
• Communicate field status to internal and customer teams.
• Conduct post-incident reviews and implement preventive measures.

Skills

Problem-solving in unstructured environments

Mechanical aptitude

Understanding of flight operations and systems

Data-driven root cause analysis

Munitions handling

Education

B.S. in computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field

Tools

IP networking fundamentals

Linux command line interfaces

Job description

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 realtime, 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

The Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) team at Anduril develops small aerial drones (Group 1-3) along with all the necessary equipment for testing, deployment, and operation. The team transforms products like Ghost, Anvil, Altius, and Bolt from initial concepts into operational systems. We work closely with specialized teams to tackle some of our customers' most complex challenges. Currently, we are seeking a technical operations engineer for the Ghost program where you will leverage your operational and technical expertise to shape and deploy a solution of maximum effectiveness and reliability. Your scope will include standing up forward‑deployed operations in austere environments, ensuring the successful combat employment of Anduril products, and shaping the long‑term sustainment of these products. In addition, you will be a core participant in customer demonstrations and customer trainings, and test events closer to home.

About The Job

As a member of the Technical Operations team for TRS, you will play a critical role in bridging product engineering and deployed operations. You will be involved in unmanned air vehicle development programs, using your technical and operational expertise to deliver reliable solutions in challenging, remote environments. The Technical Operations team also plays an essential role in shaping the field sustainment of these products through various test and evaluation events, customer demonstrations, and deployments.

What You’ll Do

• Support military operations by executing flight operations, conducting field maintenance, providing customer field support and training.
• Tackle complex issues related to hardware, software, and networking in unstructured situations, driving them to resolution.
• Communicate field issue status to internal and customer teams, keeping them informed.
• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive operational and logistical plans for various events.
• Ensure high availability and performance of aerial systems.
• Maintain support plans for hardware and software.
• Assist in event planning and resource allocation, keeping key stakeholders informed about Technical Operations requirements.
• Incident response root‑cause analyses (RCAs) for air systems in the field.
• Conduct post‑incident reviews and implement preventive measures.
• Maintain up‑to‑date documentation.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience of strong problem solving in unstructured environments at the interface of hardware, software, and networking.
• Strong mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot and repair critical site product components and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and sensors.
• Experience performing data‑driven root cause analysis on complex systems.
• Experience with munitions live fire testing or munitions handling,
• Experience performing preventative maintenance on product components, systems and other structural elements to ensure integrity and safety.
• Ability to travel to remote regions of the world for up to two months at a time (at least 50% of the year).
• Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in computer science, aerospace engineering, connected mackerel, or related technical field.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Experience with weapon systems for manned aircraft, UAS, or missiles.
• Experience with electric propulsion systems
• Experience piloting UAS in full manual mode
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Working knowledge of IP networking fundamentals and Linux command line interfaces.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Prior military or overseas contracting experience.

US Salary Range

$113,000—$155,000 USD

Benefits

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers; and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package.

Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including: At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

For more information, Explore Our Benefits.