Senior Program Manager, Carrier Integration - Active Clearance

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Air Dominance and Strike Division is seeking a Program Manager - Carrier Integration to support development efforts for carrier-based Group 5 autonomous platforms. This role requires a blend of program execution, internal R&D leadership, and deep carrier operations domain expertise. Success hinges on driving program execution (cost, schedule, technical performance), leading internal R&D to advance platform capabilities, and serving as the authoritative voice on carrier flight operations and integration. The role demands high ownership, a bias toward action, and the ability to navigate between strategic and tactical responsibilities, acting as a trusted partner to internal teams and a credible voice to customers.

Requirements

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 Haves

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 autonomous command-and-control architectures
Demonstrated understanding of carrier suitability requirements and procedures that drive aircraft design, integration, and test
Experience in development, integration, and/or test of U.S. Navy carrier-based manned or unmanned aircraft
Experience across multiple phases of carrier-based aircraft development: conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design, EMD, production, and sustainment
Thorough understanding of and experience with deriving weapon system and aircraft requirements based on applicable Navy requirements documents and standards
Experience and working knowledge of DoD flight clearance and airworthiness certification processes
Experience managing internal R&D portfolios or technology investment programs
Experience coordinating multiple internal and external teams within a complex engineering or technology-focused organization
Works diligently to make continuous progress, fosters a high-performance culture within the team, maintains a positive attitude, is optimistic and pragmatic

Responsibilities

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
Serve as the program's resident subject matter expert on carrier flight operations, carrier suitability, deck handling, launch and recovery, and shipboard aircraft integration
Translate operational carrier environment constraints — including EMCON conditions, flight deck procedures, launch and recovery operations — into technical requirements and autonomy architecture inputs
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
Develop strong, trusting relationships with customers and stakeholders, ensuring tight feedback loops that enable Anduril to shape solutions, rapidly iterate, and field capability faster
Support requirements decomposition and trade studies with carrier operations context, enabling data-driven decisions that balance design complexity, weight, performance, cost, and schedule against operational need
Work across IPTs including Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, GNC, Subsystems, Survivability, Mission Systems, Manufacturing, and Test to ensure autonomous behaviors are operationally realistic, safe, and aligned with carrier air wing operations
Lead preparation for and execution of program reviews, milestone events, and customer deliverables