Chief Engineer

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

Anduril’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment. As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical and project execution leadership to solid rocket programs throughout their lifecycle, from cradle-to-grave. The right person for this role has direct, hands-on experience with the development of solid rocket motors from concept to production, deep technical understanding of solid rocket motor design and production, and excellent project management skills. This role will also be supporting space propulsion efforts using solid rocket motors. If you are a hands-on leader, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and enjoy being the point person for getting a project across the finish line, then this role is for you.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years’ experience with the design, development, and manufacture of solid rocket motors.
Strong technical background in mechanical design, internal ballistics, structural analysis, or thermal analysis.
Strong project planning and management skills.
Well-versed in the application of systems engineering, particularly risk management and requirements management.
Ability to travel to other Anduril sites, customer sites, or supplier sites as business demands. Anticipated 25% travel.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (masters or doctorate) in engineering or engineering management.
Experience with space propulsion, and/or orbital mechanics.
Experience with solid works CAD software and/or Abaqus FEA software.
Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead solid rocket motor programs from concept into production.
Own the program—have full authority and responsibility for its execution.
Generate program plans and execute to them.
Be the “face of the program” with internal and external customers.
Manage the day-to-day activities of an interdisciplinary technical team.
Coordinate activities with other Anduril Rocket Motor Systems organizations outside of Engineering, such as Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain.

Benefits

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.