Forward Deployed Engineer, Air Defense (FDE)

About The Role Anduril’s Deployment Operations group is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer (internally known as Technical Operations Engineer) to join our Air Defense team. This is a Costa Mesa based role and not eligible for remote/hybrid work. Responsibilities Support military air defense projects by executing technical operations, conducting field maintenance, providing customer field support and training. Tackle complex issues related to hardware, software, and networking in unstructured situations, driving them to resolution. Communicate field issue status to internal and customer teams, keeping them informed. Support the development and implementation of comprehensive operational and logistical plans for various events. Ensure high availability and performance of air defense systems. Maintain support plans for hardware and software. Assist in event planning and resource allocation, keeping key stakeholders informed about Technical Operations requirements. Conduct incident response root‑cause analyses (RCAs) for defense systems in the field. Conduct post‑incident reviews and implement preventive measures. Maintain up‑to‑date documentation. Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience in strong problem solving in unstructured environments at the interface of hardware, software, and networking. Ability to climb towers to install, maintain, and repair sensor equipment and components including cameras, radars, and Pan Tilt Units (PTU). Strong mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot and repair critical site infrastructure including generators, solar power systems, and hydraulic systems. Experience performing preventative maintenance on tower structure components including guy wires, anchors, lightning protection systems and other structural elements to ensure structural integrity and safety. Ability to meet health and medical requirements in advance of deployments in accordance with DFARS View phone number on click.appcast.io, DoDI 3020.41, and/or any additional requirements outlined by region or supporting force, as applicable. Ability to travel to remote regions of the world for up to two months at a time (up to 80% of the year). Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA. Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications B.S. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science, or related technical field. Network+ and Linux+ or equivalent experience preferred. Prior tower climbing experience with relevant certifications (Tower Climbing, OSHA 10/30). Experience with Fiber and RF systems (PtP, PtMP, mesh), understanding basic antenna concepts & spectrum analysis. Terminating power cables with NEMA connectors or RJ45 connectors. Ability to lift 50-70 lbs. Experience operating specialized equipment including aerial lifts and forklifts. Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Ability to develop complex operational and logistics plans to move people and things quickly, over long distances, in unfamiliar locations. Prior military or overseas contracting experience. Salary US Salary Range: $113,000—$155,000 USD. The salary range is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on work experience, education, training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers. Benefits Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including health, recovery, and other 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Anduril Industries