Mission Autonomy Lead - Thunder
About this role
Directing the autonomy software stack for autonomous aviation systems, this role focuses on designing, planning, executing, and perceiving mission operations across challenging contested spectrums. The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril Industries builds Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft engineered to operate alongside crewed combat aviation deep beyond front lines. Engineering leaders coordinate system architecture, perception, debrief capabilities, and development infrastructure while providing technical mentorship to cross-functional engineering teams.
Ownership spans from defining vehicle behavior during missions to building simulation fixtures, managing MBSE artifacts, and interfacing with vehicle systems for seamless integration. Candidates who thrive in this environment possess deep technical expertise in autonomous navigation, a strong track record of delivering full lifecycle software products, and the leadership capacity to drive complex multidisciplinary projects to completion in Costa Mesa, California.
What you will do
- Manage the autonomy software architecture covering planning, execution, perception, and debriefing using open and modular standards.
- Drive the design and development of mission planning and execution software to manage autonomous aircraft behavior during flight.
- Build perception systems that allow the vehicle to sense and interpret its environment effectively.
- Develop mission debrief capabilities and maintain software development infrastructure including simulation and CI/CD pipelines.
- Define interfaces between the autonomy stack and vehicle management systems using Modular Open Systems Approach principles.
- Provide technical mentorship to software and systems engineers while representing the autonomy subsystem in customer and technical meetings.
- Travel up to 25% of the time to test sites and customer locations.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
- Bring 8 or more years of professional experience working with autonomous systems, robotics, or AI/ML.
- Demonstrate a history of delivering software successfully through complete product development cycles.
- Show hands-on experience with autonomous navigation, planning, perception systems, and SITL/HITL testing.
- Possess proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time and mission-critical software development.
- Have working experience with Linux-based embedded operating systems, version control, and CI/CD tooling.
- Maintain the ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience with autonomous aviation systems like UAS, UAV, or manned-unmanned teaming
- Working knowledge of behavior trees or mission planning frameworks
- Familiarity with distributed software architectures, edge computing, and containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience designing to open systems architecture standards such as MOSA/WOSA
- Familiarity with real-time middleware frameworks like DDS or ZeroMQ for distributed autonomy systems
Benefits
- Highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers
- Comprehensive, competitive benefits package covering health and recovery
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the travel requirement for this role?
The position requires traveling up to 25% of the time to test sites and customer locations.
What is the salary range for the Mission Autonomy Lead?
The base salary range is estimated between $220,000 and $292,000 USD, with actual offers varying based on experience, education, and critical skills.
Where is the job located?
The role is based at the Costa Mesa, California office.
What security clearance is required?
The candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
The application is on the official Anduril Industries careers page.
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