Lead Airframe Engineer

1w1 week ago

Anduril

Costa Mesa, US · Full-time · $191,000 – $253,000

About this role

Anduril Industries transforms U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology, powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system. The Lead Airframe Engineer works on core product development for unmanned rotorcraft, including aircraft configuration, composites, mechanisms, and structures. This role demands high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines.

You will execute rapid evaluation of engineering concepts, perform trade studies, and conduct physics-based analysis of blue-sky problems. Design, implement, and test complex air vehicles while leading design reviews, running analysis, and visiting vendors. Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production using first principles physics.

Join the Omen team developing a hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle that offers runway independence from ship decks, beaches, or remote clearings. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract of 50 systems. Work in a lean, high-ownership culture where you shape the product and fly new designs within months.

The ideal candidate is practical, hands-on, and a self-starter. High growth potential exists along with additional leadership opportunities. Support critical hardware demonstrations and travel to test sites as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or related technical discipline
Minimum of 8 years in technical leadership roles such as Technical Program Manager, Chief Engineer, or Lead Engineer
Leadership experience in engineering team management and project execution for aerospace or defense sectors
Deep experience developing rotary-wing VTOL platforms
Advanced proficiency in flight science skillsets including aerodynamics, flight dynamics, GNC, aeroelastic, loads, and dynamics
Broad exposure to aircraft concepts, design layouts, static stability, control architectures, and propulsion concepts
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

Build, mentor, and manage a diverse team of aerospace engineers
Execute rapid evaluation of engineering concepts in a wide range of fields
Perform trade studies and physics-based analysis of blue-sky engineering problems
Design, implement, and test complex air vehicles
Lead design reviews, run analysis, visit vendors, and define hardware test plans
Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production
Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers
Use first principles physics as a basis for every decision