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Principal Optical Engineer, Space
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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.
WHY WE'RE HERE
As a Principal Optical Engineer for our Space team, you own the understanding and design of all satellite optical systems to include but not limited to visible electro-optical and infrared systems. You will be responsible for possessing deep knowledge on the design, manufacturing, testing and operational capabilities of EO/IR systems able to meet mission level requirements. You will be responsible for systems which include unique Anduril technologies as well as complimentary 3rd party systems and delivering the overall EO/IR systems against earth remote sensing, space domain awareness and other mission threads as needed to grow and support the Space business line at Anduril. The Principal Optical Engineer on the Space team will work closely with the Anduril Imaging team to deliver unique Medium Wave and Long Wave Infrared (MWIR/LWIR) payload systems as well as derive the Anduril EO/IR roadmap for supporting future captures. This role will also work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, ground, and flight software, etc., to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the successful design, test and operations of the various optical systems onboard Anduril's fleet of spacecraft
This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
US Salary Range
$206,000 - $309,000 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:
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
WHY WE'RE HERE
As a Principal Optical Engineer for our Space team, you own the understanding and design of all satellite optical systems to include but not limited to visible electro-optical and infrared systems. You will be responsible for possessing deep knowledge on the design, manufacturing, testing and operational capabilities of EO/IR systems able to meet mission level requirements. You will be responsible for systems which include unique Anduril technologies as well as complimentary 3rd party systems and delivering the overall EO/IR systems against earth remote sensing, space domain awareness and other mission threads as needed to grow and support the Space business line at Anduril. The Principal Optical Engineer on the Space team will work closely with the Anduril Imaging team to deliver unique Medium Wave and Long Wave Infrared (MWIR/LWIR) payload systems as well as derive the Anduril EO/IR roadmap for supporting future captures. This role will also work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, ground, and flight software, etc., to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the successful design, test and operations of the various optical systems onboard Anduril's fleet of spacecraft
This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Own the spacecraft optical subsystems for various spacecraft programs in all orbital regimes
- Provide single point of contact to the Anduril Imaging team to deliver MWIR/LWIR payload systems
- Provide the technical roadmap for optical system development for the space team leveraging Anduril unique technologies and 3rd party sensors
- Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
- Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
- Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
- Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (NOAA, etc) and comply with regulations for operating spacecraft
- Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or other engineering degree.
- Experience conducting spacecraft operations utilizing EO/IR systems with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
- Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
- Experience with EO/IR systems design for remote sensing and space situational awareness in multiple orbital regimes
- Ability to distill mission level requirements down to payload systems to achieve mission success
- Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight.
- Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material.
- Must be eligible to obtain and hold and US DoD security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, TS with SCI).
- Experience with Python, Matlab, Go, Zemax C++ and/or Linux systems
- A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
- Experience testing optical subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints
- Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios
- Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits
- Platinum Benefits: We offer top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision, life) and cover 100 percent of the premiums for you.
- 16 Weeks paid parental leave for all caregivers
- Family planning: We're proud to offer comprehensive family planning support. Fertility planning and treatment, adoption support, gestational carrier support and fertility preservation are all included.
- Unlimited Provisions: From breakfast to dinner, our kitchen team has you covered with healthy meals and snacks at every office.
- Commuter benefits depending on region
- Relocation assistance
- Unlimited and Incentivized Time Off
US Salary Range
$206,000 - $309,000 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 top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision) that are 100% covered by Anduril for you and 90% covered for your dependents.
- 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)
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
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
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