Deputy Chief Engineer, Trs Edge Autonomy

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Tactical Recon & Strike

Deputy Chief Engineer for Anduril's Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) division, focusing on developing autonomous drones and related systems. The role involves leading technical execution from concept to production, system architecture, cross-functional team guidance, and hands-on testing for defense technology products.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead technical execution from vision & initial design, through fabrication, test and production
  2. Develop systems that support expeditionary operation, intuitive setup and use by warfighters, and modular expansion of sensors
  3. Setup trades to enable exploration of early designs while working closely with technical SMEs and Business Development teams to find the right solution for current and future gaps in capability
  4. Operate at the intersection of software and hardware helping to craft a system level architecture that supports a robust and cost effective design
  5. Define product milestones, lead technical design reviews, guide cross-functional product decisions, manage engineering risk

Skills

Required

  • Experience in a senior role leading system design and development from initial concept through test and delivery to customers
  • Basic understanding of Aerodynamics, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Control Actuation Servos, and how those disciplines relate to overall system performance.
  • Technical Bachelor’s degree such as Robotics, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software engineering, or equivalent experience in a relevant field
  • Experience with data analysis, rapid prototyping, and early-stage customer deployment
  • Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic systems
  • Familiarity with concepts of mechatronic design, firmware + software system design, sensor physics, tracking & calibration, and data-backed decision making.
  • Ability to engage technically with mechanical, electrical, firmware, sensors, and robotics software leads
  • Ability to lead a cross-functional team through design trades while meeting program deadlines
  • High ownership, mission-oriented mentality. Desire to see the product meet the end need of the customer.
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with strong verbal & written communication skills
  • A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  • Desire to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution

Nice to have

  • Real-world operational experience with small UAS systems in a military context

What the JD emphasized

  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Ability to engage technically with mechanical, electrical, firmware, sensors, and robotics software leads
  • Ability to lead a cross-functional team through design trades while meeting program deadlines

Other signals

  • AI-powered operating system
  • cutting-edge autonomy
  • AI, computer vision
  • autonomous drones
  • autonomous aerial systems
  • autonomous robotics systems