Support System Lead
Anduril Industries · Costa Mesa, California, United States
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Maneuver Dominance team is building Thunder - an autonomous attack rotorcraft built to fight alongside crewed combat aviation to deliver overwhelming mass effects deep beyond the front lines. The team in London builds the Mission System and the autonomy that makes aircraft like Thunder work. Autonomy is only as good as the link that carries it. Thunder is a compact airframe with weapons, sensors and radios competing for the same antenna real estate, flying low and in formation, in a spectrum that is actively contested. That is the problem you would own.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril is seeking a Support Systems Engineering Lead to join the Thunder team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Thunder is Anduril’s hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that combines vertical takeoff and landing with the range, speed, and heavy strike power of advanced attack platforms in a novel Group 5 tiltrotor airframe. Powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain and Lattice for Mission Autonomy, Thunder operates as a loyal wingman alongside crewed platforms like the AH-64 Apache in highly contested environments.
You will work on new aircraft development, bringing pragmatic Support Systems thinking to complement and enhance the overall capability, ensuring that end-user needs are met in challenging operational environments. You will be part of a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Architect, plan, and lead the design and development of a broad Support System (including deployment, supply, operations and maintenance; and everything in between)
- Hire, develop, and grow a hands-on Engineering team focused on practical Support System solutions
- Collaborate with customer stakeholders on a comprehensive concept of employment to ensure operational needs are understood
- Own ‘Day In The Life Of’ decomposition activities to influence functional decomposition shaping the design of the Air Vehicle and Mission Systems
- Design, fabricate and test Mission System transport and handling equipment (GSE) to enable rapid deployment in a range of challenging operational environments
- Identify appropriate standards and associated interfaces for supply systems (such as fueling and charging) as inputs to design
- Leverage emerging technologies to develop maintenance systems, operational processes, and training approaches that set new standards for what good looks like
- Collaborate with peers across the Division to drive a consistent approach and ‘look and feel’ of a Common Support System across the Product ecosystem enhancing customer experience and familiarity
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or aviation related technical discipline
- 10+ years of experience in Aviation, Aerospace or product development/design environments including technology maturation
- Familiarity in applying Systems Engineering, and first-hand understanding of benefits and limitations of the approach
- Experience working in operational environments performing logistics, maintenance, or training roles including familiarity with supporting fielded systems in the control of customers.
- Be focused on both design and operation for maximum safety
- Strong bias for action and extremely high ownership in fast paced environment
- Ability to break complex problems into achievable challenges for consumption by the team
- Experience with high voltage systems/batteries and/or hybrid powertrains
- Trade or Mechanic qualifications considered advantageous
- Defense Industry or Military Service background highly desirable
- A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance in United States, United Kingdom, or Australia
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience designing and fielding support systems for rotorcraft or VTOL platforms, including ground support equipment (GSE), transport solutions, and rapid deployment infrastructure for austere or expeditionary environments.
- Background in supportability engineering for hybrid-electric or high-voltage powertrain systems, including developing maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and supply chain requirements for batteries and power electronics.
- Experience collaborating directly with military end-users to develop concepts of employment, "Day In The Life Of" operational analyses, and training programs for autonomous or optionally crewed aircraft systems.
- Track record of building and leading small, hands-on engineering teams in fast-paced new product development environments where support system design runs concurrently with air vehicle development rather than trailing it.
US Salary Range$191,000—$253,000 USDThe 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:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
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