Description
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.
You will work on new aircraft development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.
In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate a high-performance hybrid-electric propulsion system into the Omen air vehicle. You will own and design powertrain components from concept through production, optimizing for the unique demands of a tail-sitter platform including VTOL operations, efficient cruise flight, and rapid transition between flight modes.
As a Principal Powertrain Engineer, you will work closely with program leadership and cross-functional teammates to deliver a high-performance, reliable propulsion solution. You will drive component selection, manage supplier relationships, lead testing and validation efforts, and ensure the powertrain meets performance, weight, thermal, and reliability requirements.
This is a hands-on role where you will tackle hard technical problems, mentor junior engineers, and play a critical role in bringing a groundbreaking aircraft platform to operational reality. You will be a trusted subject matter expert in the design and development of our powertrain.
Join our dynamic team and help us build the next generation of autonomous flight systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the design of hybrid-electric propulsion systems including motors, generators, battery packs, fuel systems, power electronics, and propeller/rotor integration
- Electric machine sizing and design, transmission sizing and design, inverter sizing and design, and how the full system integrates into the air vehicle.
- Conduct powertrain performance analysis, thermal modeling, and energy optimization studies to meet mission requirements for endurance, payload capacity, and operational envelope
- Lead the development and execution of test plans for powertrain subsystems and full-up systems, including ground test stands, HILs, and flight test
- Define and validate technical performance measures including power, efficiency, thermal limits, and fault tolerance across all operating modes
- Create detailed technical specifications and interface control documents for powertrain components and assemblies
- Collaborate with the Airframe and Vehicle Controls teams for solutions on system packaging, structural/thermal interfaces, and thrust/power control architectures
- Conduct design reviews, perform requirements analysis, and plan system verification to ensure compliance with project goals and industry standards
- Establish and manage supplier relationships for critical powertrain components, including technical requirements definition, design reviews, and qualification oversight
Required Qualifications:
- High-ownership and a bias toward action – if you see a problem, you want to fix it
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Robotics, Physics, or related technical discipline
- Minimum of 12+ professional years in technical leadership roles such as a Principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, or similarly relevant position focused on propulsion systems
- Experience in engineering team leadership and project execution for aerospace, automotive, or defense sectors with focus on electric or hybrid propulsion
- Proficiency in powertrain engineering skillsets including electric motors, transmissions, generators, power electronics, battery systems, and thermal management
- Hands-on experience with propulsion system development, testing, and integration for aerospace platforms
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience developing hybrid-electric or electric propulsion systems for aircraft, rotorcraft, eVTOL, or UAS platforms
- Proven track record leading propulsion systems through full qualification campaigns from early development through flight test and production
- Experience with propulsion system modeling and simulation tools
- Familiarity with aviation environmental and EMI standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, DO-160, or equivalent) and qualification campaigns for flight hardware
- Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, or similar competitive engineering programs demonstrating hands-on vehicle integration experience