Anduril Industries Chief Engineer at Anduril Industries leading prototype execution and technical problem-solving for autonomous aircraft Fury. Manage design for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, and integration.
Responsibilities
Lead Prototype Execution: Own the end-to-end technical execution of building first-article and prototype autonomous aircraft, leading the team from part fabrication to a fully integrated, flight-ready vehicle.
Hands-On Problem Solving: Serve as the lead technical problem-solver on the factory floor, driving root cause analysis and implementing rapid solutions for issues in manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work directly with the conceptual design team to provide critical DFM feedback, ensuring the aircraft is not just performant but also buildable, testable, and scalable.
Oversee Fabrication & Assembly: Lead the fabrication, assembly, and integration of complex airframe structures, propulsion systems, avionics, and flight control hardware.
Manage Build & Test Integration: Develop and execute the plan for system integration, ground testing, and final vehicle checkout in preparation for flight test.
Build and Lead an Elite Team: Lead and mentor a small, high-performing team of "doers"—engineers and technicians who thrive on building cutting-edge hardware.
Supplier & Partner Integration: Direct the technical interface with key suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure hardware is delivered on time and to spec.
Qualification
DeepExperience leading smallBachelor’s degree in AerospaceAbility to obtain and maintain a UBackground in a "Skunk WorksAn active Top Secret security clearancePer Anduril's expansion plans
Required
A proven track record of leading the hands-on build and integration of a new, complex aircraft or aerospace vehicle.
Deep, hands-on expertise in manufacturing and prototyping, including composite fabrication, metallic structures, systems installation, and vehicle assembly.
Demonstrated experience taking a vehicle from detailed design release, through a first-article build, and into a successful test campaign.
Experience leading small, agile, multi-disciplinary engineering and technician teams in a rapid development environment.
Strong technical foundation in mechanical/aerospace structures and systems integration.
Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and resolving real-time production issues.
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred
Direct experience leading the prototype build of a UAS at Group 3 or above.
Prior experience with DOW technology development organizations (e.g., DARPA, AFRL) on advanced flight programs.
Background in a "Skunk Works," "Phantom Works," or fast-paced startup environment focused on rapid hardware prototyping.
Experience with a wide range of manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, and automated assembly.
Hands-on experience as a Test Director or lead flight test engineer for a first flight campaign.
A "player-coach" leadership style with a willingness to be deeply involved in the day-to-day build.
An active Top Secret security clearance.
Per Anduril's expansion plans, we anticipate this job will be based out of Long Beach, CA beginning late 2027.