Senior Program Manager, Carrier Integration - Active Clearance

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

Program Manager for carrier-based autonomous platforms in the defense technology sector. This role focuses on program execution, internal R&D leadership, and carrier operations domain expertise to drive the development and deployment of AI-powered autonomous systems for the U.S. Navy.

What you'd actually do

  1. Partner with program and engineering leadership for the development and deployment of Anduril's carrier-based Group 5 autonomous platforms to meet the operational needs of the U.S. Navy
  2. Serve as the program's resident subject matter expert on carrier flight operations, carrier suitability, deck handling, launch and recovery, and shipboard aircraft integration
  3. Translate operational carrier environment constraints — including EMCON conditions, flight deck procedures, launch and recovery operations — into technical requirements and autonomy architecture inputs
  4. Lead internal R&D investments associated with carrier-based autonomous platforms — owning scope, schedule, budget, and technical outcomes — and ensure results transition effectively into programs of record
  5. Develop strong, trusting relationships with customers and stakeholders, ensuring tight feedback loops that enable Anduril to shape solutions, rapidly iterate, and field capability faster

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, IT, CS, Business Administration or a related field (technical background preferred)
  • Minimum of 10 years of combined experience in program management, naval aviation, and/or carrier-based aircraft development
  • Direct military or civilian experience working in U.S. Navy carrier flight operations or carrier-based aircraft design, integration, test, or sustainment
  • Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-million-dollar programs or major program workstreams and driving on-time, on-budget completion
  • Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to move seamlessly between tactical execution and strategic program direction
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical and operational information clearly to diverse audiences including engineers, executives, and government customers
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Nice to have

  • BS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • Experience as a Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, Aircraft Handling Officer or similar carrier flight operations role — or equivalent civilian experience in carrier air wing operations
  • Graduate of a military Test Pilot School (e.g., USNTPS, USAF TPS, Empire Test Pilots' School) or a Weapons and Tactics School (e.g., NAWDC, MAWTS-1)
  • Experience with autonomous systems, particularly in the context of unmanned aircraft operations
  • Familiarity with Anduril's Lattice platform or similar auto

What the JD emphasized

  • active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • active U.S. Top Secret security clearance