Staff Program Manager, Carrier Integration - Active Clearance

Anduril Industries • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

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 program execution, driving cost, schedule, and technical performance; internal R&D leadership, advancing platform capabilities and reducing technical risk; and carrier operations domain expertise, serving as the authoritative voice on carrier flight operations and integration. The role demands high ownership, a bias toward action, and the ability to move seamlessly between strategic and tactical execution, 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

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior