Chief Engineer, Advanced Air Platforms (Fury)
Costa Mesa, CA - USA
Job Summary
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) Chief Engineering Team is the technical and strategic vanguard for our most critical programs. We are not just building products; we are architecting the future of airpower. This team is a driving force behind the technical execution and strategic vision responsible for conceiving product development roadmaps and guiding multi-disciplinary teams to deliver effectively. We foster an innovative ecosystem that transforms ambitious concepts into deployable battlefield-ready systems. As a Chief Engineer you will be instrumental in shaping this vision and ensuring its successful realization.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is more than a leadership role; its an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on defense technology. As the Chief Engineer for Fury Programs you will serve as the principal technical authority and strategic orchestrator for a flagship unmanned aerial system. Building on established design and test heritage your mission will be to guide this pivotal platform through its critical transition to mature production and operational deployment while simultaneously spearheading new development initiatives.
WHAT YOULL DO
- Execute: 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.
- Shape: 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.
- Architect & Optimize: 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.
- Ensure Airworthiness: Guide your engineering teams in achieving and maintaining compliance with all necessary airworthiness certifications ensuring uncompromising safety and reliability.
- Accelerate Production: Oversee and coordinate the fabrication of prototype and low-rate production articles and orchestrate comprehensive subsystem and system-level test campaigns.
- Operationalize Impact: Support remotely deployed operations of your systems gathering critical feedback and ensuring seamless integration into real-world scenarios.
- Strategic Stewardship: Partner with senior leadership to forecast and secure adequate resources empowering your teams to achieve ambitious objectives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep demonstrated understanding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at and above Group 3 classification.
- Bachelors 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A deep personal connection to aviation evidenced by an FAA pilots 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 Andurils builder culture.
US Salary Range
$254000 - $336000 USD
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 Andurils total compensation package. Additionally Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees including:
Healthcare Benefits
- US Roles:Comprehensive medical dental and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
- UK & AUS Roles:We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
- IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
- Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
- Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members bond with a new baby or address your own medical needs.
- Family Planning & 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. Additional work-life services such as legal and financial support are also available.
- 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
- US Roles:Traditional 401(k) Roth and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
- UK & IE Roles:Pension plan with employer match.
- AUS Roles:Superannuation plan.
The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
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