Deputy Chief Engineer, Autonomous Airpower · Anduril

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:57:11 GMT
Engineering

Anduril · Costa Mesa, California, United States · $191,000-$253,000 USD · onsite

We are seeking a highly experienced Deputy Chief Engineer to join our Autonomous Airpower team. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the design and development of vehicle subsystems from conceptual design phase through detailed design, build, test, and productionization.

Key Responsibilities:

Own vehicle subsystems/design scope from conceptual design phase through detailed design, build, test, and productionization.

Establish program plan/vision and communicate to team while ensuring they stay on track.

Coordinate and execute design level trades working with various functional engineering teams.

Incorporate expert knowledge of first principles aircraft design, design standards, system safety, test methodology, and risk reduction across team.

Establish requirements, design review entrance/exit criteria, etc.

Own interfaces between subsystems.

Manage technical and programmatic risks for systems you are responsible for.

Negotiate workflows with functional engineering leaders.

Develop budgetary estimates and schedules working with functional engineering teams.

Develop staffing estimates, and work with functional engineering and operations teams to recruit top talent and integrate them into the team.

Monitor budget and schedule performance to ensure appropriate performance.

Coordinate transitions between engineering and manufacturing, test, and production.

Requirements:

Experience developing, building, and testing large aircraft subsystems.

7+ years of technical engineering experience in a professional environment.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Experience leading technical new start development projects.

Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Aviation passion demonstrated through FAA pilot's license, Airframe and Powerplant license, Experimental Aircraft/Homebuilding, etc.

Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept to flight.

Unmanned aircraft development experience.

Strong hands-on technical skills - both professional and hobby.

Salary Range: $191,000-$253,000 USD.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.

Income protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.

Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.

Family planning and 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.

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: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.