Chief Engineer, Advanced Air Platforms (fury)

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Air Dominance & Strike : Autonomous Airpower Engineering : Chief Engineering

Chief Engineer for advanced air platforms (Fury) at a defense technology company. Responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of unmanned aerial systems, from design to production and operational deployment. Focuses on technical leadership, strategic trades, system design, airworthiness, production acceleration, and operational support. Requires deep understanding of UAS, leadership experience, and experience with DoD systems.

What you'd actually do

  1. Provide overarching technical and programmatic leadership for the end-to-end lifecycle of air vehicle and mission systems, from initial design through fabrication, rigorous testing, productization, and operational deployment.
  2. Lead strategic trades and conceptual design exploration, collaborating closely with technical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Business Development teams to identify and deliver innovative solutions that address current and future gaps in warfighter capability.
  3. Drive the detailed design of the system and its subsystems, managing stringent requirements, optimizing sub-system trades, and proactively mitigating risks to ensure peak performance, adherence to schedules, cost efficiency, and critical design parameters.
  4. Guide your engineering teams in achieving and maintaining compliance with all necessary airworthiness certifications, ensuring uncompromising safety and reliability.
  5. Oversee and coordinate the fabrication of prototype and low-rate production articles, and orchestrate comprehensive subsystem and system-level test campaigns.

Skills

Required

  • Deep, demonstrated understanding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at and above Group 3 classification.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience in a highly relevant technical field.
  • Extensive experience in a senior leadership role, guiding air vehicle programs from initial concept through rigorous testing and successful customer delivery.
  • Track record of driving strategic technical direction within competitive landscapes, expertly solving complex system optimization challenges under tight constraints.
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver critical functional capabilities while meticulously aligning technical objectives with overarching programmatic outcomes.
  • A history of fostering strong internal and external partnerships, acting as a catalyst for cross-functional success.
  • A profound understanding of the "why" behind vehicle and systems design, driven by a desire to solve real-world problems for the warfighter.
  • Significant experience working on mission-critical Department of Defense (DOD) systems, understanding the unique demands and operational environments.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice to have

  • A deep personal connection to aviation, evidenced by an FAA pilot's license, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, or experience with experimental aircraft/homebuilding.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate innovative designs from concept sketches to successful flight.
  • Specific and extensive unmanned aircraft development experience.
  • Strong hands-on technical skills – both professionally and through personal projects – embodying Anduril's builder culture.

What the JD emphasized

  • mission-critical Department of Defense (DOD) systems