Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Chief Engineer, Advanced Air Vehicle Architect

$254k - $336k

Neura Market

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 TEAM

The Air Dominance and Strike (AD&S) Chief Engineering Team is a driving force behind the technical execution and strategic vision of our most critical programs. They are responsible for architecting a vision for product development and guiding multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver effectively. They are expected to own the mission and to be deeply involved in building the eco‑system that enables execution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As our Chief Air Vehicle Architect, you will be the senior technical authority for conceptual design, applied S&T, and experimental development of advanced flight platforms. You will be highly creative, deeply understand customer needs, and personally drive technical execution through modeling, experimentation, build, and test of these air systems. Concept Creation & Applied Science Lead early conceptual design of entire advanced air vehicle platforms: configuration exploration, trade studies, and performance modeling. Apply first‑principles thinking across air vehicle engineering: aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight controls, GNC, low observables, autonomy, and mission systems to evaluate concepts. Identify and mature key scientific and technical breakthroughs for new operational capability through novel air vehicle designs. Balance creativity with engineering realism, ensuring executable technology paths for complete air vehicle solutions. Systems Architecture & Integration Define holistic system architectures integrating air vehicle design, mission systems, autonomy, and manufacturing from the outset. Lead cross‑disciplinary trade studies and modeling to understand interactions, sensitivities, and failure modes across the entire flight system. Guide concepts from exploration to prototype‑ready air vehicle designs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (advanced degree preferred). 10+ years direct experience in conceptual design, architecture, or advanced development of complete air vehicle platforms. Demonstrated experience leading conceptual design and early‑phase system architecture for full aircraft or complex flight systems. Strong systems‑level thinking across all air vehicle engineering domains. Hands‑on experience with real flight hardware, experimentation, or test activities. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience with DOW technology development organizations (e.g., DARPA, AFRL) on advanced flight programs. Experience transitioning entire flight systems from early research through prototype and operational demonstration. Background in experimental or flight test environments, including test planning and execution for novel air vehicles. Experience working on advanced or classified air vehicle platforms, including low‑observable or signature‑constrained designs. Deep technical expertise in multiple core air vehicle domains (e.g., aerodynamics, flight controls, GNC, propulsion, structures, aircraft integration). Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast‑paced, non‑traditional aerospace environments. Currently obtains a Top Secret level clearance or higher. Salary Range $254,000 – $336,000 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: 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. 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 Neura Market

Vacancy posted 4 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Chief Engineer, Advanced Air Vehicle Architect in Costa Mesa, CA vacancy
  • $254k - $336k

    Neura Market in Costa Mesa, California seeks a leader in air vehicle systems design, focusing on technical development from concept to production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in unmanned aircraft systems and experience in leading programs to success... 
    Suggested

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $254k - $336k

     ...military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing...  .... About the Team The Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) Chief Engineering Team is the technical and...  ...products; we are architecting the future of airpower....  ...to‑end lifecycle of air vehicle and mission systems, from... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Remote work

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $254k - $336k

     ...military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing...  .... ABOUT THE TEAM The Air Dominance and Strike (AD&S) Chief Engineering Team is a driving force...  ...are responsible for architecting a vision for product development...  ...execution of air vehicle and mission systems... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Remote work
    Relocation package

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $254k - $336k

     ...unmanned aircraft design. The role requires expertise in managing air vehicle programs from inception to production, driving strategic decisions amidst challenges. Candidates should hold a relevant engineering degree and demonstrate strong project management and... 
    Suggested

    Anduril Industries

    Costa Mesa, CA
    11 hours ago
  • $254k - $336k

     ...allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the...  ...years. ABOUT THE TEAM The Air Dominance & Strike team at...  ...operator‑supervised Autonomous Air Vehicle), and Barracuda (air‑...  ...product. We are looking for engineers excited to build the foundational... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Remote work

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • A defense technology company seeks an experienced engineer to lead the technical development of air vehicle systems from concept to production. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of unmanned systems, with a track record of successful program management and... 

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    1 day ago
  • $254k - $336k

    The Air Dominance and Strike Mechanical Engineering and Integration Team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms. Air Dominance and Strike Mechanical Integration Engineers own the full development lifecycle... 

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $254k - $336k

     ...military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the...  ...THE JOB We are looking for a Chief Engineer to join our rapidly growing...  ...QUALIFICATIONS Experience in architecting, developing, and delivering...  ...Design and development of space vehicle and payload architectures... 
    Full time
    Contract work
    Work experience placement

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $91k - $146k

     ...company in Irvine, California, seeks a seasoned professional for advanced packaging design. The role requires hands-on experience with...  ...technology. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 5+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 3+ years... 

    Broadcom

    Irvine, CA
    1 day ago
  •  ...commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the...  ...Division’s functional areas include engineering and A/E design, land use and...  ...for an experienced Senior Architect. The ideal candidate is a...  ...sophisticated facilities with advanced building systems and life‑safety... 
    Contract work
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Local area

    American Institute of Architects

    Costa Mesa, CA
    11 hours ago
  • $254k - $336k

    A defense technology company in California seeks a Chief Engineer to manage air vehicle programs from concept to delivery. Responsibilities include leading design, overseeing subsystem management, and ensuring successful outcomes. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in... 

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    3 days ago
  • $146k - $220k

     .... and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology...  ...customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and...  ...upgrades and enhancements to existing vehicle systems Conceptual designs of small... 
    Relocation package

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    11 hours ago
  • $65k - $84k

     ...logistics strategies and processes to our customers' needs by utilizing the latest information systems and advanced technologies. Summary The Supervisor - Vehicle Operations (2nd Shift) at Port Hueneme, CA, is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Summer work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours
    Afternoon shift

    Hyundai Glovis

    Irvine, CA
    2 days ago
  • $140k - $160k

    Principal Air Quality Engineer/ Scientist page is loaded## Principal Air Quality Engineer/ Scientistlocations: Irvine, California, USAtime...  ...permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and advancement**Responsibilities:** • Perform emissions estimate... 
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Local area
    Night shift

    SLR Consulting

    Irvine, CA
    3 days ago
  • $113k - $149k

     ...allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the...  ..., mechanical, and electrical engineers, alongside software, robotics...  ..., we create cutting-edge vehicle-centric hardware and software...  ...intelligence, and flexible ground and air autonomy solutions. We are... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Internship
    Immediate start
    Flexible hours

    anduril

    Costa Mesa, CA
    2 days ago
  • $90k - $95k

    Chief Engineer page is loaded## Chief Engineerremote type: On-Sitelocations: Marriott Costa Mesa - Costa Mesa, CAtime type: Full timeposted...  ...through-out hotel.* Remains current on related technology advances that would enhance operations.* Comply with attendance rules... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Thehotelatavalon

    Costa Mesa, CA
    1 day ago
  •  ...client accounts. The successful candidate will blend inside and outside sales efforts, engage with clients to build relationships, and advance the company's brand across markets. Proven success in business development, excellent communication skills, and experience with CRM... 

    Helixstorm Inc

    Costa Mesa, CA
    2 days ago
  • $220k - $292k

     ...a Principal Telemetry & Instrumentation Architect to play a pivotal role in the design, development, and sustainment of our advanced test range infrastructure and instrumentation...  ...position requires a blend of systems engineering expertise, hands-on technical proficiency... 

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    1 day ago
  • $220k - $292k

    A leading defense company in Costa Mesa is seeking a Principal Telemetry & Instrumentation Architect to design and sustain advanced test range infrastructure. The successful candidate will lead the architectural design, integrate various sensors, and ensure system reliability... 

    Slope

    Costa Mesa, CA
    1 day ago
  • $124.7k - $205.8k

    BD Mexico is looking for a Principal Engineer in Irvine, California, to lead early-stage technology projects in Advanced Patient Monitoring. This role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and over 6 years of medical device experience. The ideal candidate will... 

    BD Mexico

    Irvine, CA
    4 days ago
  • An electric vehicle manufacturer located in California is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead the validation of vehicle functions...  ...involves coordinating timelines, ensuring alignment between engineering and manufacturing teams, and delivering exceptional products.... 

    Rivian

    Irvine, CA
    3 days ago
  • $77k - $102k

     .... and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology...  ..., not years. Team Overview The Air Defense team builds robots that find...  ...of UAS threats. Working across product, engineering, business development, logistics,... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Immediate start
    Worldwide
    Weekend work

    Anduril Industries

    Irvine, CA
    2 days ago
  • $254k - $336k

    Anduril Industries seeks a Chief Engineer for Fury Programs in Costa Mesa, California. This pivotal role involves leading the design and production of a flagship unmanned aerial system, maintaining airworthiness standards, and driving development initiatives. The ideal... 
    Full time

    Neura Market

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 days ago
  • $220k - $292k

     .... and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology...  ...-of-the-art sensing capabilities for air surveillance, counter-UAS, and counter-...  ...'s degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical field Proven experience... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Immediate start

    Anduril Industries

    Costa Mesa, CA
    4 hours ago
  • $129k - $171k

     ....S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology...  ...drive business outcomes. We are technical architects continually solving scalability problems, implementing automation and engineering best practices to replace manual work, and... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Relocation package

    Anduril

    Costa Mesa, CA
    3 days ago
  • $91k - $146k

     ...company in Irvine, CA is hiring a Packaging Architect Design Engineer. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in advanced packaging design and GDSII-based layouts....  ...defining design rules, and designing test vehicles to support technology development. The... 

    Broadcom Inc.

    Irvine, CA
    1 day ago
  • $83k - $291k

     ...new dimension with us? Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that's...  ...vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support...  ...Job Purpose/Summary: The System Engineering & Integration Manager serves as Supernal... 
    Local area

    Supernal

    Irvine, CA
    2 days ago
  • $182k - $273k

     ...allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the...  ...We are seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to oversee and lead specific...  ...capable of launching from ground, air, or sea, and executing...  ...the technical execution of air vehicle systems design, fabrication,... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Local area
    Relocation
    Relocation package

    Anduril Industries

    Costa Mesa, CA
    more than 2 months ago
  •  ...Principal Application Engineer - Semiconductor Advanced Package Irvine, California Full TIme You will join the our business unit, working with advanced packaging materials (adhesives, sealants, functional coatings) targeted at the semiconductor industry... 
    Full time
    H1b
    Relocation

    Veracity

    Irvine, CA
    11 hours ago
  • $176.2k - $220.3k

     ...for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous...  ...internal teams and external institute to advance Rivian’ battery cell technology. Develop...  ...: ~ MS degree in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science with 5+ years of... 
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Local area
    Shift work

    Rivian

    Tustin, CA
    4 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Chief Engineer, Advanced Air Vehicle Architect. Be the first to apply!