Ground Software Engineer, Space

Job Snapshot

Anduril is hiring a Ground Software Engineer, Space in Costa Mesa, California. The role focuses on Space C2, mission management software, customer-deployed systems, legacy integrations, monitoring, debugging, and operational support. Candidates need 4+ years across programming languages and eligibility for a U.S. Secret clearance. Base salary is listed at $166,000-$220,000.

Role Overview

This software engineering role sits on Anduril's Space Ground Software work, supporting systems used for space operations and mission management. The engineer will help design, build, deploy, and improve software capabilities for DoD and intelligence community customers. The work includes platform architecture, infrastructure, algorithms, integrations across orbital and ground systems, and fielded capabilities that must operate on mission-relevant timelines.

About Anduril and the Space Team

Anduril builds defense technology products for U.S. and allied military users, including software, autonomy, AI, sensor fusion, networking, and command-and-control systems. Its Lattice platform brings many data sources into an operational command environment. The Space team extends these capabilities into space domain awareness, space control, and command-and-control use cases, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payload-related systems.

What You Would Work On

• Own software solutions deployed to customer environments for space operations and mission management.
• Develop Space C2 and mission management capabilities that support end-to-end mission systems.
• Integrate modern software with long-running legacy defense systems and newer orbital or ground capabilities.
• Write production code that improves products and scales mission capability to additional users and customers.
• Work across teams to plan, implement, test, and deliver complex functionality.
• Build and analyze operational metrics used for debugging, monitoring, and reliability work.
• Triage issues, identify root causes, and coordinate next steps across engineering and user-facing teams.
• Translate end-user needs into features while balancing usability, mission needs, and engineering constraints.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Strong engineering foundation from professional experience or academic study, ideally in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related technical field.
• Ability to understand complex systems and detailed requirements quickly.
• Track record solving difficult technical problems with limited oversight.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and training material creation.
• 4+ years working with multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, Rust, Go, JavaScript, or similar languages.
• Experience with Space C2 software systems and spacecraft operations.
• Interest in building critical software with real-world mission impact.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Go, Rust, or C++.
• Experience with deployment tooling such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, or Helm.
• Exposure to space ground hardware such as sensors, radars, or telescopes.
• Exposure to space-related simulation and hardware integration.
• Interest in critical software for the space domain.
• Experience with space software standards and modular software service development.

Skills Breakdown

The core profile is a mid-level software engineer with 4+ years of broad programming experience, strong systems thinking, and enough independence to handle complex technical problems. Space C2 and spacecraft operations experience are required. Go, Rust, C++, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Helm, space ground hardware, simulation, hardware integration, and modular space software services are listed as preferred differentiators.

Compensation

The employer-provided U.S. base salary range for this role is $166,000-$220,000. Anduril notes that the final offer can vary based on factors such as experience, education or training, critical skills, and business considerations. The description also states that equity grants are included in most full-time offers and considered part of total compensation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package available at little to no cost to employees.
• Support for health, recovery, and future needs, according to the employer's benefits summary.
• Equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers, per the job description.

Location and Work Model

The listed job location is Costa Mesa, California, United States. The posting does not state a remote or hybrid policy, so candidates should treat the work model as not specified by the employer and confirm expectations during the application process. The posting does state that U.S. Secret clearance eligibility is required; visa sponsorship is not mentioned.