Ghost Drone, Software Engineer

Anduril Industries
Costa Mesa, CA

ABOUT THE TEAM


At Anduril's Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team, 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


As a Robotics Software Engineer on our TRS team, you'll be at the forefront of cutting-edge autonomous systems development. You'll tackle diverse challenges in autonomy, systems integration, robotics, and networking, making critical engineering decisions that directly impact mission success. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring Anduril's products work seamlessly together to achieve a variety of crucial outcomes. You'll develop innovative solutions for complex robotics problems, balance pragmatic engineering trade-offs with mission-critical requirements, and collaborate across teams to integrate software with hardware systems. Contributing to the entire product lifecycle, from concept to deployment, you'll rapidly prototype and iterate on software solutions. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to tackle ambiguous problems. Your "Whatever It Takes" mindset will be key in executing tasks efficiently, scalably, and pragmatically, always keeping the mission at the forefront of your work. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on next-generation defense technology, working with state-of-the-art robotics and autonomous systems. You'll be part of a team that values innovation, quick iteration, and delivering high-quality solutions that meet real-world needs.

Ghost is a platform that requires not only reliable first-principles robotics algorithms for autonomous flight over many re-uses, but also acts as an ideal conduit to integrate and utilize exotic mission and vehicle-augmenting payloads and advanced autonomy. There is no shortage of opportunity for growth in each of these areas as Ghost continues to operate in environments and mission sets that require excellence.

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



  • Write and maintain core libraries (frame transformations, targeting and guidance, etc.) that all robotics platforms at Anduril will use

  • Own major feature development and rollout of large features for our products - recent examples include building a Software-in-the-Loop simulator for our Anvil product and characterizing and improving Ghost helicopter battery consumption with route planning

  • Work closely with our hardware and manufacturing teams during product development, providing quick feedback that contributes to the final hardware design

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • 3+ years of C++ or Rust experience in a Linux development environment

  • BS in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

  • Proven understanding of data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization

  • Experience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed software systems

  • Experience working with and testing electrical and mechanical systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • MS or PhD

  • Experience in one or more of the following: motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, controls, and related system performance metrics.

  • Python, Rust, and/or Go experience

  • Experience programming for embedded and physical devices

  • Multi-agent coordination of UAVs

US Salary Range

$138,000 - $207,000 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:


  • Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.

    • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.

    • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.


  • Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.

  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.

  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.

  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

  • Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.

  • A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.

  • Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.

  • Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.

  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

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.

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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

Posted 2026-02-25

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