About this opportunity
AI Chopping Block lists this Principal Engineer, Rapid Integration & Test opportunity in costa mesa, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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 role
Anduril is seeking a Principal Engineer to serve as a recognized technical expert and senior individual contributor on the Rapid Integration and Test (RIT) team, within Test & Evaluation. You'll own the team's most complex integration and instrumentation work on larger, more capable test assets and platforms — accountable for results that shape RIT's technical direction. This is an individual-contributor role centered on hands‑on engineering and technical leadership, not people management.
What you'll do
Lead the technical execution of complex integration and instrumentation efforts on the team's larger, more capable test assets and platforms, from concept through functional capability.
Perform hands‑on build, integration, instrumentation, and modification: fixtures, materials, power and avionics work, wiring and networking, and sensor and payload integration.
Own the technical approach for the team's most complex integration and instrumentation work, and be accountable for results that shape RIT's technical direction in that area.
Serve as a recognized technical authority across Business Lines and partner programs — influencing decisions on complex integrations and contributing to cross‑functional initiatives.
Set technical direction and, as part of that work, mentor the team as it takes on larger, more complex platforms.
Develop and execute streamlined test plans, and ensure adherence to baseline safety plans.
Cut through red tape while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.
Participate in weekly stand‑ups and provide Situation Reports (SITREPs) to leadership.
Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Typically 15+ years of relevant experience; recognized as a seasoned expert with significant influence in the field.
Deep hands‑on UxS engineering expertise — build, integration, and modification (fixtures, materials, power/avionics), beyond integration‑to‑running.
Experience taking complex hardware/software systems from concept through flight test.
In‑depth knowledge of Pixhawk autopilot systems and the ArduPilot stack.
Hands‑on experience with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and composite materials.
Practical experience with small UAS/drones; understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS regulations.
Ability to set technical direction and mentor a team taking on larger, more complex platform work.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; self‑motivated; works independently and collaboratively.
Willingness to travel and flexibility for extended hours.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
In this role, you will be subject to pre‑employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.
Preferred qualifications
Experience integrating, instrumenting, or modifying complex platforms and test assets.
Advanced degree in engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related field.
Hands‑on experience with RC helicopters or UAVs — piloting, maintenance, troubleshooting.
Familiarity with rotary‑wing aerodynamics and flight control systems.
Autonomy/robotics programming (Python, C++, ROS); FAA Part 107.
US Salary Range
$220,000 — $292,000 USD
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. 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: For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third‑party service provider to conduct pre‑employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third‑party service provider provides risk‑intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public‑record information, and other lawful open‑source or commercial data sources. This third‑party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
costa mesa, CA, 92626, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.