Lead Airframe Engineer, Omen

Job Application for Lead Airframe Engineer, Omen at Anduril Industries Lead Airframe Engineer, Omen Costa Mesa, California, United States Apply 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 JOB Here you will work on core product development for unmanned rotorcraft and complex systems, including but not limited to aircraft configuration, composites, mechanisms, and structures. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands-on and a self starter. High growth potential is possible as well as additional leadership opportunities. ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril is seeking a Lead Airframe Engineer to join the Omen team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril’s hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems. You will work on new aircraft development in 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 Build, mentor, and manage a diverse team of aerospace engineers, ensuring that their expertise is synergistically aligned with the project’s strategic objectives, engineering milestones, and overall air vehicle design efforts. 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, implementation, and test of complex air vehicle High level system ownership with large levels of professional autonomy Lead design reviews, run analysis, visit vendors, define and execute hardware test plans Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed Travel to test sites as needed Use first principles physics as a basis for every decision Wear many hats REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Robotics, Physics , or related technical discipline. Minimum of 8 years in technical leadership roles such as Technical Program Manager, Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer or similarly relevant position. 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 and guiding the interrelated disciplines of 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, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and project success. Strong project management skills, with experience using tools like JIRA and Confluence, and knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities, capable of engaging effectively with both technical teams and non-technical partners. Knowledge of aircraft design principles, including familiarity with vertical lift, eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, as well as aircraft build and integration, and flight test execution/oversight. Hands-on experience with the development and deployment of autonomous systems, particularly in rotorcraft or large UAS. Eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Direct experience with autonomous systems, specifically with the development and integration of rotorcraft or larger UAS. Deep familiarity with unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft design, particularly eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Knowledgeable in the nuanced integration of complex systems, such as launched effects, into aerial platforms, ensuring system compatibility and performance. An extensive network within the aerospace industry, enabling effective collaboration and leveraging partnerships for product development. Familiarity with Defense Acquisition Processes and a clear understanding of key review stages and compliance requirements. Relevant professional certifications that underscore a commitment to continuous learning and application of industry best practices. Customer-facing experience with a proven ability to lead high-profile programs and navigate complex client relationships with confidence and authority. US Salary Range $191,000 - $253,000 USD The 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: Healthcare Benefits US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. Additional Benefits 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 Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. Retirement Savings Plan US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information. To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind: No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates. Please always verify communications: Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address. Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to . Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links. What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to . Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts. Data Privacy To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit . Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Anduril Industries? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Create alert Apply for this job * indicates a required field Autofill with MyGreenhouse First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Country Phone Resume/CV Attach Attach Dropbox Google Drive Enter manually Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Cover Letter Attach Attach Dropbox Google Drive Enter manually Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile Website CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. * Select... Do you presently hold an active U.S. security clearance, or are you eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance? For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here . EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Your responses to the questions below will be used solely to determine your eligibility under U.S. law to receive information and materials subject to U.S. export controls. * Select... Are you any of the following “protected individual(s)” as defined in the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)?: What is the country of your birth? * If you are a United States citizen or national, please answer with "N/A". It is the policy of Anduril to ask this question of all persons completing this form. Please list all countries of which you are a citizen, and, if applicable, the date you obtained citizenship. * If you are a United States citizen or national, please answer with "N/A". It is the policy of Anduril to ask this question of all persons completing this form. Please list any additional countries of which you are a lawful permanent resident and, if applicable, the date you obtained permanent residency. * If you are a United States citizen or national, please answer with "N/A". It is the policy of Anduril to ask this question of all persons completing this form. U.S. WORK AUTHORIZATION * Select... Are you authorized to work in the United States? Will you require sponsorship from Anduril for employment now or in the future (e.g, H1B visa)? * Select... HISTORY WITH ANDURIL * Select... Have you previously applied to a position at Anduril? Have you ever been employed by Anduril or any company that Anduril has acquired? * Select... CONFLICT OF INTEREST * Select... Do you currently, or have you in the last 5 years, worked for the US government (e.g., Congressional staffer, member of the military, state, or federal agencies) and had oversight or similar responsibility over Anduril’s business or other interests? How did you hear about Anduril? * Select... If other, please specify Voluntary Self-Identification For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file. As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. Gender Select... Are you Hispanic/Latino? Select... Race & Ethnicity Definitions If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Veteran Status Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form? We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at . How do you know if you have a disability? A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury Disability Status Select... PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. Submit application Powered by Greenhouse