Staff Systems Engineer, Ghost

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
In Anduril's Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) division, we're pushing the boundaries of aerial drone technology. We're the driving force behind groundbreaking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius, taking them from concept to fully operational systems that are reshaping the landscape of defense and security. Our team tackles the entire spectrum of small drone development (Group 1-3), from the drones themselves to the critical equipment needed for testing, deployment, and operation. We thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with specialist teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers. In TRS, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, working with state-of-the-art technology and pushing the limits of what autonomous systems can achieve. If you're passionate about creating transformative technology and want to be part of a team that's shaping the future of defense capabilities, we want to hear from you. Join us in our quest to develop game-changing aerial systems that are redefining what's possible in tactical reconnaissance and strike operations.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for an owner for a novel, relative navigation solution bridging perception, tracking, guidance for an upcoming product at our headquarters location in Costa Mesa, CA. You will lead development, refinement, and implementation of guidance architecture for systems combining high-cost off-board sensing with low-cost onboard sensing for current and future product variants. This role will involve usage and direct implementation of state-of-the-art Computer Vision (CV) and Guidance Navigation and Control work (GNC), and will require a level of firmware and electrical hardware familiarity. You will be involved at earliest stage product development, and help shape the capabilities set of the platform to achieve consistent mission success on a hyper-scalable platform developed on an aggressive timeline.
We are a fast-growing company at the early stages of our growth, and you will be expected to own important deliverables during your time on the team, which will have a significant impact on the company's trajectory. Anduril fosters a diverse, collaborative, culture with plenty of opportunities for ownership and professional growth.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance. This position will be located at our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA (relocation benefits provided.)
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Involvement with product architecture and definition of platform capability set
• Define and refine required hardware needed to achieve success criteria
• Develop and refine CV model through in-person testing and training
• Develop and refine GNC algorithms and vehicle simulation software
• Support on-site and off-site product testing and customer demonstrations
• Support and own similar scoping and efforts on future product variants

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 - 10 years of professional experience or Phd with at least 1 year of professional experience
• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Expertise with C++, Python, and Linux systems
• Expertise in image processing, computer vision, or machine learning
• Experience in one or more of the following: sensor integration, tracking and estimation, motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, guidance, navigation and controls, and related system performance metrics
• Systems programming skills including algorithms, data structures, concurrency and optimization
• Strong analytical & critical thinking and problem-solving skills and an ability to communicate ideas clearly
• Team-player, self-motivated, driven, organized
• Experience with software revision control
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the rapid development of novel integrated systems

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. To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit