Staff Program Manager, Carrier Integration - Active Clearance

Staff Program Manager, Carrier Integration - Active Clearance

Costa Mesa, California, United States

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

The Air Dominance and Strike Division is one of Anduril's fastest growing, most technically complex divisions. We develop and build collaborative combat aircraft, missiles, and the software that powers these autonomous weapons. We are looking for a Program Manager - Carrier Integration to support development efforts for carrier-based Group 5 autonomous platforms. This role blends program execution, internal R&D leadership, and deep carrier operations domain expertise into a single high-impact role.

About The Job

Success in this position hinges on three key facets:

1. Program Execution — Partnering with program and engineering leadership to drive cost, schedule, and technical performance for carrier-based Group 5 autonomous platforms. You will own critical program workstreams, manage customer relationships, and ensure Anduril delivers on its commitments.
2. Internal R&D Leadership — Leading internal research and development efforts that advance the platform's capabilities, reduce technical risk, and position Anduril for future growth. You will collaborate with senior leadership to shape the investment strategy, stand up and execute projects, and transition results into programs of record.
3. Carrier Operations Domain Expertise — As the authoritative voice on carrier flight operations, flight deck integration, launch and recovery, and the operational realities that inform design decisions for autonomous platforms. You will translate real-world carrier experience into actionable engineering requirements, architectures, and operationally relevant test scenarios.

This role demands high ownership, a bias toward action, and the ability to move seamlessly between strategic program direction and tactical execution. You will be a trusted partner to Anduril's engineers, autonomy developers, and mission systems teams — and a credible voice to our customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, IT, CS, Business Administration or a related field (technical background preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years of combined experience in program management, naval aviation, and/or carrier-based aircraft development
• Direct military or civilian experience working in U.S. Navy carrier flight operations or carrier-based aircraft design, integration, test, or sustainment
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-million-dollar programs or major program workstreams and driving on-time, on-budget completion
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to move seamlessly between tactical execution and strategic program direction
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical and operational information clearly to diverse audiences including engineers, executives, and government customers
• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience as a Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, Aircraft Handling Officer or similar carrier flight operations role — or equivalent civilian experience in carrier air wing operations
• Graduate of a military Test Pilot School (e.g., USNTPS, USAF TPS, Empire Test Pilots' School) or a Weapons and Tactics School (e.g., NAWDC, MAWTS-1)
• Experience with autonomous systems, particularly in the context of unmanned aircraft operations
• Familiarity with Anduril's Lattice platform or similar autonomous command-and-control architectures
• Demonstrated understanding of carrier suitability requirements and procedures that drive aircraft design, integration, and test
• Experience in development, integration, and/or test of U.S. Navy carrier-based manned or unmanned aircraft
• Experience across multiple phases of carrier-based aircraft development: conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design, EMD, production, and sustainment
• Thorough understanding of and experience with deriving weapon system and aircraft requirements based on applicable Navy requirements documents and standards
• Experience and working knowledge of DoD flight clearance and airworthiness certification processes
• Experience managing internal R&D portfolios or technology investment programs
• Experience coordinating multiple internal and external teams within a complex engineering or technology-focused organization
• Works diligently to make continuous progress, fosters a high-performance culture within the team, maintains a positive attitude, is optimistic and pragmatic

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: