Powertrain Lead (Omen)
Anduril Industries is seeking a Powertrain Lead to join the Omen team at their Costa Mesa headquarters. Omen is a hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle that combines the endurance, payload capacity, and mission flexibility of larger aircraft into a novel, runway-independent Group 3 platform. This role offers the opportunity to work in a lean, high-ownership culture, directly shaping the product and accelerating the development of new aircraft designs within months, not years.
The Powertrain Lead will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating Omen's advanced electric propulsion system. This includes owning the electric powertrain architecture from concept through production, optimizing for the unique demands of a tail-sitter platform, such as vertical takeoff and landing operations, efficient cruise flight, and charging. The role involves leading electric performance analysis, voltage and thermal modeling, and energy optimization studies to meet mission requirements for electrical loads. Additionally, the Powertrain Lead will develop and execute test plans for electric propulsion subsystems and combined power generation, including ground test stands, hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and flight tests, building up to system verification to ensure compliance with project goals and industry standards.
Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or a related technical discipline, along with 12 or more years of professional experience or recognition as a seasoned expert with significant influence in their field. Experience in engineering leadership and project execution within the aerospace, automotive, or defense sectors, focusing on electric or hybrid propulsion, is essential. In-depth knowledge of electric motors, generators, power electronics, battery systems, thermal management, and energy storage architectures is required. Hands-on experience with propulsion system development, testing, and integration for aerospace platforms is also necessary. Strong project management skills, exceptional communication abilities, and eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance are important qualifications.
The salary range for this position is $166,000 to $250,000 per year. Anduril offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to employees, along with income protection through life and disability insurance. The company provides generous time off, including a holiday hiatus in December, and offers caregiver and wellness leave. Additional benefits include coverage for fertility treatments, adoption, and gestational carriers, as well as access to free mental health resources 24/7. Professional development opportunities, commuter benefits, and relocation assistance are also available, depending on role eligibility.
Anduril Industries fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture, emphasizing high ownership and a bias toward action. Employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology projects that transform U.S. and allied military capabilities. The company's commitment to rapid innovation and development provides significant growth opportunities for team members, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about advancing defense technology.