Low Observables Engineer, Mission Systems

Anduril Industries · Costa Mesa, California, United States

midfull timeunknown
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Job Snapshot

Anduril Industries is hiring a Low Observables Engineer in Costa Mesa, California for RF antenna work tied to low observable unmanned air systems. The role calls for 3+ years of RF and antenna R&D experience, strong modeling and measurement skills, and an active U.S. Top Secret clearance. The posted U.S. base salary range is $129,000-$171,000.

Role Overview

This position sits at the intersection of antenna engineering, RF system analysis, and survivability-focused aircraft integration. The engineer will help develop antennas for low observable unmanned platforms, balancing communication and RF performance goals against radar cross section constraints. The work includes simulation, prototyping, link-budget analysis, integration with internal teams or subcontractors, and validation through antenna performance and RCS testing.

About Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries builds defense technology for U.S. and allied military customers. Its systems combine autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, networking, and the company's Lattice OS command-and-control platform. This opening is part of the Air Dominance and Strike Low Observable team, which focuses on technologies that reduce radar and infrared signatures for unmanned air systems operating in contested environments.

What You Would Work On

  • Support antenna design and development for low observable unmanned air vehicles.
  • Model, simulate, and refine antennas so RF performance targets are met while preserving radar cross section requirements.
  • Use link-budget analysis to translate system needs into antenna gain, coverage, co-site interference, and architecture trade requirements.
  • Drive IR&D antenna development through fast design, build, and prototype cycles for emerging program needs.
  • Coordinate with subcontractors and internal engineering teams on antenna integration into unmanned platforms.
  • Create analysis tools, workflows, and validation methods that improve antenna prediction quality.
  • Plan and run antenna performance tests, RCS tests, component-level evaluations, and installed antenna testing.

Must-Have Qualifications

  • At least 3 years of research and development experience in general RF and antenna engineering.
  • Working knowledge of RF concepts such as aperture antennas, impedance matching, and Smith charts.
  • Hands-on competence with antenna prototyping methods and tools.
  • Experience using antenna modeling or electromagnetic prediction tools such as CEM tools, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, SENTRi, ADS, or FEKO.
  • Ability to build RF analytical tools using MATLAB, C++, or Python.
  • Experience with antenna measurements, including anechoic chamber work, near-field or far-field RF measurements, and RCS measurements.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM discipline.
  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance, with ability to maintain it.

Preferred Background

  • Experience designing low observable apertures.
  • Background in phased array design, RF front-ends, or RF testing.
  • Hands-on maintenance experience with low observable aircraft.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, autonomous, high-demand engineering environment.

Skills Breakdown

The core skill set is RF antenna engineering: design, simulation, prototyping, measurement, and integration. MATLAB, C++, and Python are tied directly to analytical tool building, while HFSS, CST, ADS, FEKO, SENTRi, and broader CEM tools support modeling and prediction. Low observable aperture design, phased arrays, RF front-end work, and LO aircraft maintenance are preferred rather than required, which makes this a mid-level role with specialized defense-domain depth.

Salary and Compensation

The employer-posted U.S. base salary range for this role is $129,000-$171,000. Anduril states that the final offer may vary based on factors such as work experience, education, training, critical skills, and business needs. The posting also says highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of the company's total compensation package.

Benefits Noted by the Employer

  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full-time employees.
  • Benefits described as available at little to no cost to employees.
  • Support areas mentioned include health, recovery, and future needs.
  • Additional benefit details are available through Anduril's benefits information.

Location and Work Model

The listed job location is Costa Mesa, California, United States. The posting does not state a remote or hybrid policy, and the work involves hardware integration, prototyping, measurement, and antenna/RCS testing, so JobForMe classifies this as On-Site. The posting does not mention relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary range for the Low Observables Engineer role at Anduril?

The posted U.S. base salary range is $129,000-$171,000. The posting says the actual offer may vary based on experience, education, training, critical skills, and business considerations.

Is this Low Observables Engineer job remote?

The posting lists Costa Mesa, California as the location and does not describe a remote or hybrid option. Based on the listed location and hands-on testing responsibilities, JobForMe classifies the role as On-Site.

Does this role require a security clearance?

Yes. The posting requires candidates to possess and be able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

What experience is required for this Anduril engineering role?

The posting requires 3+ years of research and development experience in general RF and antennas, plus experience with RF concepts, antenna prototyping, modeling tools, analytical tool building, and antenna measurement techniques.

What tools or programming languages are mentioned?

The posting names MATLAB, C++, and Python for RF analytical tool building. It also mentions antenna modeling and prediction tools such as CEM tools, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, SENTRi, ADS, and FEKO.

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