Staff Systems Engineer, Software Defined Weapons Optic

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Warfighter Systems division is building the next generation of counter-UAS engagement systems. We are developing an anti-UAV kinetic response system that fuses real-time computer vision, sensor data, and onboard processing to dramatically increase first-round effectiveness against hostile drones. By pushing advanced CV algorithms into ultra-constrained compute environments, we are delivering a decisive edge at the tactical level. This team operates at the intersection of robotics, embedded systems, optics, and counter-UAS effectors — building technology that saves lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're seeking a dynamic Staff Systems Engineer who can break the mold and redefine how we develop mission-critical counter-UAS systems at the tactical edge. This project is a complex, multi-domain product — tightly coupling precision optics, computer vision, embedded compute, actuators, laser subsystems, and kinetic effector integration into a single warfighter-portable anti-UAV system. We need a systems thinker who can serve as the technical "glue" that transforms separate components into a cohesive, production-ready product.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of multiple technical domains, embraces end-to-end ownership, possesses a bias for action, and wants to create groundbreaking solutions rather than follow conventional playbooks. You'll operate as a driving force behind critical product decisions, balancing technical tradeoffs between accuracy, latency, power, size, weight, and ruggedization — all while maintaining system integrity under the demands of combat use.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Systems Architecture & Innovation

• Serve as the technical authority spanning optics, computer vision, electro-mechanical actuation, laser subsystems, embedded compute, and counter-UAS effector integration — translating mission-level outcomes into coherent system architectures
• Lead cross-functional integration between mechanical, electrical, firmware, computer vision, and manufacturing teams, acting as the technical glue that transforms separate components into a cohesive anti-UAV system
• Reimagine system requirements through first-principles thinking, challenging traditional counter-UAS approaches to create more robust, adaptable solutions
• Identify critical warfighter needs and translate them into technical specifications that outperform legacy counter-UAS and air defense systems
• Create systems architecture diagrams that bridge mechanical, electrical, optical, and software interfaces — aligning cross-domain teams on a single source of truth

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Own critical product decisions, balancing technical tradeoffs between accuracy, latency, power, SWaP, and ruggedization while maintaining system integrity
• Define and manage the system-level error budget — allocating contributions across optics, mechanical tolerances, calibration, CV algorithms, and actuator control to meet first-round-hit accuracy requirements against airborne threats
• Lead design reviews ensuring rigor from requirements definition through verification and validation
• Own the technical risk management process, ensuring systems meet rigorous military standards (shock, vibration, environmental, EMI) without sacrificing innovation
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in the development process, enabling the team to deliver breakthrough capabilities faster
• Own verification and validation plans and execution — including lab, benchtop, and live-engagement test campaigns against representative UAS threats

Documentation & Digital Transformation

• Revolutionize how we document complex systems, leveraging modern systems engineering tools (Flow, Jama, Cameo, MBSE, Digital Twins) to visualize architectures and model system performance
• Create technical narratives that communicate complex ideas clearly to engineers, leadership, program stakeholders, and end users
• Build the digital backbone that enables rapid iteration and continuous improvement of DEADSHOT and follow-on products
• Create user documentation that enables warfighters to autonomously operate and sustain the product in the field

Field Engagement

• Travel to field exercises and customer events to teach users how to operate the product and bring their feedback back to drive stronger technical designs
• Support live-engagement assessments and operational evaluations alongside end users

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or another technical discipline
• 8+ years of systems engineering experience, preferably with exposure to rapid product development environments
• Track record of delivering complex multi-domain electro-mechanical systems — ideally spanning optics, sensors, actuators, embedded compute, and software
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver against aggressive schedules
• Hands-on prototyping, troubleshooting, and integration experience — comfortable moving between CAD, lab bench, and field test
• Experience owning verification and validation across the full product lifecycle, including environmental qualification (shock, vibration, thermal, sealing)
• Demonstrated willingness to challenge the status quo and drive first-principles solutions
• Strong technical intuition paired with excellent communication skills
• Comfortable making decisions with imperfect information and adapting as new data emerges
• Experience with modern systems engineering tools and methodologies (MBSE, requirements management, digital engineering)
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with counter-UAS systems, air defense, precision tracking, fire control, or kinetic effector systems
• Multi-domain product experience spanning electro-optics, lasers, actuators / servo control, or stabilized platforms
• Background in robotics or autonomous systems (e.g., Boston Dynamics, automotive AV, industrial robotics)
• Familiarity with computer vision pipelines (detection, tracking, calibration, pose estimation) and their integration into embedded platforms
• Experience with embedded compute platforms (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon, NVIDIA Jetson) and the SWaP tradeoffs they impose
• Experience with system error budgeting across optical, mechanical, and algorithmic contributors
• Experience bridging prototype-to-production transitions, including DFM/DFA and medium-volume manufacturing (100s–1000s of units)
• Prior experience as a technical SME or IPT lead on a complex DoD program
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one