Anduril Industries

Software Engineer, GNC

Anduril Industries • $129K — $171K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in algorithm design and software development, proficient in C/C++ and/or Rust.
  • Strong knowledge of path planning techniques, including A* and RRT algorithms.
  • Experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) with trajectory optimization skills.
  • Solid understanding of applied mathematics: linear algebra, optimization, and computational geometry.
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and control theory for autonomous platforms.
  • Familiarity with handling large-scale geospatial data and distributed command systems.
  • Exposure to machine learning for planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute hands-on expertise in path planning and route optimization among a collaborative team.
  • Prototype and deploy algorithms for path planning, trajectory optimization, and multi-agent coordination.
  • Develop real-time path planning capabilities that adapt to changing mission conditions.
  • Design high-performance software for real-time command and control operations.
  • Implement decision-making systems for generating optimal routes in dynamic environments.
  • Analyze system performance using simulations and modeling tools across mission scenarios.
  • Support customer success with effective algorithm development for critical use cases.

Benefits

  • Investment in employee health and recovery through a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Competitive benefits available at little to no cost to employees.
  • Support for personal wellness and professional development.
Full Job Description


ABOUT THE TEAM
At Anduril, our Battlespace Awareness Command and Control Software team specializes in solving complex, real-world problems through cutting-edge algorithms and intelligent software integrations. Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced technologies with mission-critical applications. Our commitment doesn't end with academic research or proof-of-concept experiments; we measure our success by the real-world impact of our deployed solutions. Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's vision - "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" - we aim to achieve groundbreaking results in path planning, route optimization, and autonomous mission execution at the command and control layer. We are currently seeking highly talented technologists to join our mission and redefine the future of defense technology.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Contribute hands-on to a small, collaborative team within the Command and Control Software organization, applying your growing expertise in path planning and route optimization.
  • Prototype and help deploy state-of-the-art algorithms for global and local path planning, trajectory optimization, and multi-agent coordination within command and control systems.
  • Help develop online (real-time) path planning capabilities that replan safely and efficiently as mission conditions, threats, and vehicle states change.
  • Design and develop high-performance software for real-time C2 systems deployed on operational platforms in the field - from operator-facing mission planning tools to autonomous tasking and routing services that orchestrate fleets of unmanned systems - with a strong emphasis on asynchronous programming, concurrency, and reliable execution in resource-constrained environments.
  • Implement robust planners, search algorithms, and decision-making systems that generate safe, feasible, and optimal routes in dynamic, uncertain, and contested environments.
  • Analyze system performance using high-fidelity simulations, modeling tools, and statistical techniques to validate planner behavior across diverse mission scenarios.
  • Support customer success by developing and implementing algorithms and software for mission-critical use cases, including collaborative autonomy, asset routing, and obstacle and threat avoidance.
  • Integrate path planning technologies into the broader command and control software stack and development lifecycle, from requirements definition through testing and optimization.
  • Translate technical progress into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, operators, and end-users.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years of experience in algorithm design, software development, and mathematical modeling with programming expertise in C/C++ and/or Rust.
  • Strong knowledge of path planning techniques, such as graph-based search (A*, D* Lite), sampling-based planners (RRT, RRT*, PRM), and online/real-time replanning approaches.
  • Demonstrated experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC); trajectory optimization and trajectory prediction; and/or the development of predictive models for vehicle dynamics and weapon system effectiveness (e.g., 6-DoF simulation, intercept analysis).
  • Solid understanding of applied mathematics, including linear algebra, optimization, computational geometry, and graph theory.
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics, kinematic constraints, and control theory as applied to autonomous ground, air, or maritime platforms tasked through C2 systems, including high-speed aerial vehicles.
  • Familiarity with map representations, terrain reasoning, state estimation, and the efficient handling of large-scale geospatial and environmental data within distributed C2 architectures.
  • Exposure to machine learning as applied to planning and decision-making, including reinforcement learning, learned heuristics, and behavior prediction.
  • Ability to write robust, concurrent code for planning under uncertainty and operation in complex, dynamic, contested environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across development lifecycles, from prototyping to optimizing production systems.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

NICE TO HAVE
  • Experience with Rust for high-performance, safety-critical software.
  • Exposure to mixed greenfield/brownfield codebases, including extending an existing planning/routing stack in production.


We request transcripts as part of the early application process to understand your academic background and how your coursework supports the skills deemed critical for the role. Transcripts help us assess your technical and analytical abilities, complementing our interview process in which we also evaluate practical experience and cultural fit. If you choose not to share your transcripts, you will need to provide detailed information regarding your academic performance in relevant courses, including projects and coursework specifics, to ensure we evaluate your academic accomplishments properly. If you do provide academic transcripts, feel free to redact non-technical information (e.g., student ID, dates, non-technical coursework, etc.). Unofficial transcripts obtained online acceptable for this assessment.

US Salary Range

$129,000-$171,000 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:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

About Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that develops advanced systems for the military. The company was founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, Trae Stephens, and Matt Grimm, and has since grown to become a major player in the defense industry. Anduril's products include autonomous drones, surveillance systems, and other advanced technologies that are designed to enhance military capabilities. The company has received significant funding from investors and has partnerships with several major defense contractors. Anduril is headquartered in Mountain View, California.
Learn more about Anduril Industries
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2017

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