Lead Architect - Sentry Hardware Platform with Security Clearance

Position Overview

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By leveraging cutting‐edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology, the company is redefining how military systems are designed, built, and sold.

The Sentry Engineering team is building hardware products and systems that provide highly accurate, persistent autonomous awareness across land, sea, and air. We are seeking a Lead Architect, Sentry Hardware Platform to drive rapid prototyping and scalable production of ruggedized hardware systems.

Location: Irvine, CA
Salary: $166,000 - $220,000 USD

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution from vision and initial design, through fabrication, test, and production of ruggedized hardware systems and platforms.
• Develop platforms and subsystems that support expeditionary operations, intuitive setup for warfighters, and modular sensor expansion.
• Setup trades to explore early designs while collaborating closely with technical SMEs and Business Development.
• Oversee development teams to identify solutions for current and future capability gaps.
• Operate at the intersection of software and hardware, ensuring integrated system performance.
• Define product milestones, lead technical design reviews, guide cross-functional product decisions, and manage engineering risk.
• Coordinate the fabrication of prototypes and low-rate production articles, and manage subsystem/system-level test efforts.
• Conduct hands-on, in-field testing and/or remote troubleshooting of deployed systems.
• Create and execute a verification and validation plan for the end-to-end system.

Required Qualifications

• Self-starter with high ownership and a mission-oriented mentality, committed to delivering products that meet customer needs.
• Ability to make educated decisions and leverage engineering trades in the absence of clear customer requirements.
• Proven experience in a senior role leading system design and development from initial concept through test and customer delivery.
• Experience with data analysis, rapid prototyping, and early-stage customer deployments.
• Familiarity with mechatronic design, firmware and software system design, sensor physics, tracking and calibration, and data-backed decision making.
• Ability to lead a cross-functional team through design trades while meeting program deadlines.
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans (with variations based on region).
• Income Protection: Life and disability insurance coverage for all employees.
• Generous Time Off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December, plus caregiver and wellness leave.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments, adoption, gestational carriers, and robust support resources.
• Mental Health Resources: Free 24/7 access to mental health services, including therapy and life coaching.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development opportunities.
• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Options such as Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax for US roles, with pension or superannuation plans available in other regions.