Anduril Industries · 9 hours ago
Director of Advanced Design
Costa Mesa, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$254K/yr - $336K/yr
10+ years expAnduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Director of Advanced Design will oversee the conceptual design for Unmanned Aerial Systems and advanced missile platforms, ensuring alignment with technical feasibility and customer mission needs.
AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)GovernmentMilitaryNational Security
Responsibilities
Direct the end-to-end conceptual design process for UAV and missile platforms, including mission analysis, configuration trade studies, requirements development, and architecture selection
Serve as a technical expert for early-phase pursuits, shaping concept white-papers, customer proposals, and technology roadmaps, partnering with the chief engineering team
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with technical feasibility, affordability, and customer mission needs
Support direct interactions with customers to translate mission requirements into design concepts
Act as a senior technical decision-maker, applying engineering intuition and prior experience to ensure effective design paths and avoid costly development missteps
Partner with Chief Engineers and product teams to align engineering execution with broader mission and capability goals
Stay at the forefront of emerging aerospace technologies and threats, incorporating disruptive innovations into early-stage designs
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in conceptual or preliminary design of aerospace systems, with technical leadership roles on Group 5 UAS, similar class aircraft, or advanced missile systems
Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the core aerospace hardware disciplines: aerodynamics, structures, propulsion integration, or electrical systems
Deep understanding of system architecture, mission requirements, and full product lifecycle development
Proven experience leading high-performance engineering teams, ideally in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Strong communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills
Preferred
Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field
Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative development environments
Hands-on experience with advanced design tools, simulation, and test equipment
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
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
Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
Pension plan with employer match.
Superannuation plan.
Company
Anduril Industries
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Anduril Industries has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$6.25BKey Investors
AlphaTON Capital Corp.Founders FundU.S. Department of Defense
2025-12-16Corporate Round· $30M
2025-06-05Series G· $2.5B
2025-01-07Grant· $14.3M
Leadership Team
Brian Schimpf
Co-Founder and CEO
Joseph Chen
Co-founder
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-11
2026-01-10
Company data provided by crunchbase