Head of Hardware, Drones

ABOUT THE TEAM

The TRS team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from paper sketches to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.

ABOUT THE JOB 

As the Head of Hardware for our Tactical Reconnaissance & Strike (TRS) team, you will own the coordination of all resources involving mechanical, structural, thermal, electrical, firmware, propulsion, RF, test. etc. and the build out of the team for successful execution across programs and internal R&D (IRAD) efforts. You will be responsible for the technical alignment of the hardware development roadmap of products for execution on current programs and increasing the differentiation for Anduril aligned with future program captures. You must demonstrate the ability to assert best practices of UAS design while utilizing additional innovations in order to promote enhanced capability while keeping affordability in mind. You shall exhibit technical depth in UAS components while effectively communicating up and outside the division organization.

The Head of Hardware should have a strong technical background in at least one or more disciplines; PCBA design, Firmware, RF, GNC, Structural/Thermal analysis, electrical or mechanical engineering of tactical UAS systems. The Head of Hardware will work closely with the Chief Engineers of programs to ensure appropriate staffing and alignment of the engineering best practices for delivering reliable and robust hardware solutions while maintaining close collaboration with the software counterparts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Own the team responsible for the development of all hardware components across the entirety of the Tactical Reconnaissance and Strike division portfolio.
• Work closely to ensure appropriate staffing so that programs and the representative Chief Engineers are able to deliver on customer requirements.
• Lead HW design reviews to ensure scalability of R&D design decisions
• Lead the technical execution of new systems that includes ground systems and Group 1-3 UAS systems design, fabrication, test, and productization.
• Lead the long-term functional engineering team development roadmap to ensure we have the skillsets, capabilities and workflows to enable successful execution of current and future programs.
• Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
• Coordinate with end-users, other operators, and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
• Partner closely with relevant business lines in areas of proposal capture, customer interface, resource planning, capital expenditures, and program schedules.
• Work with senior leadership to ensure resource plans are adequate.
• Directly support high-priority engineering efforts or programs that impact the division’s strategic goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Location: Costa Mesa, CA
• Strong engineering background from industry or academia, ideally in areas/fields such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other engineering degree.
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
• Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight.
• Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• 15+ years of experience in a senior role leading air vehicle program from initial concept through test and delivery to sustainment with customers.
• A desire to work on critical hardware designs in the tactical drone domain.
• Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds through nominal and fault scenarios.
• Exposure to UAS test procedures, standards, and campaigns for successful delivery of tactical air systems.
• Experience creating teams and focusing them around a common vision.
• Deep understanding and previous systems leadership of UAS systems design, employment, and sustainment.
• Active security clearance preferred but not required

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 Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
  • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.
  • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
• A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
• Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.
• Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
• 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

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.

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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