ABOUT THE TEAM

The Discovery team at Anduril is at the forefront of incubating and maturing high-potential, software-defined, AI-native offerings that meet the toughest, newest challenges across hardware, software, space, and cyber domains. We're the architects of mission autonomy and mesh networking, delivering scalable hardware solutions that meet some of the most urgent national security needs. By working hand-in-hand with elite teams in Perception, AI, Motion Planning, Hardware, Test Engineering, Space, Networking, and Vehicle hardware, we craft cutting-edge, end-to-end systems that redefine mission success.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will own the understanding and design of the mission solution which includes designing mission trajectories, building models to help craft mission solutions, and developing simulations to solve key mission needs. You will carefully listen to stakeholder needs and then design rigorous math and physics analyses leading to clear and compelling value propositions. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems Engineering, GNC, Software, Mission Operations, Hardware Engineering and others. You will lead physics-level modeling, mission design, constellation design, simulation and analysis for a wide variety of defense missions.

This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril’s Discovery 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

• Develop model-driven analysis (and often the models themselves)
• Develop a deep understanding of transformational value of Anduril platform, autonomy, simulation, and perception products
• Use our advanced internal M&S capabilities to give our analyses an asymmetric advantage over competitors
• Convey the value through life of AI-powered distributed systems over traditional industrial offerings
• Provide rigorous analytical products which will be used to guide hardware engineering and convince stakeholders of our value advantage

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
• Strong domain experience in fields like missile defense, Space, radar, sensor fusion, etc. 
• Proven track record of independently owning and executing program deliverables with little to no management
• Outstanding communication skills to include visual presentation of complex data
• Proficiency with physics-math scripting (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK, Python+numpy, scipy)
• Strong engineering background, preferably in Astrodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Dynamics and Controls Engineering, or other related engineering field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years in a relevant Science/Engineering field
• Space Mission MS&A experience - for example, working knowledge of constellation design, space trajectory design, and physics-level modeling across a wide variety of space missions
• Spacecraft & Payload MS&A experience— ability to perform physics-based trade-space analyses for spacecraft propulsion, power, thermal management, and payloads such as RADAR, SATCOM, and/or EOIR
• Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) Trajectory Design & Space Payloads experience
• Strong background in orbital mechanics and space environment
• Exceptional proficiency with physics-math scripting of your choice (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK, Python+numpy, scipy)
• Proficiency with STK and Astrogator
• Proficiency with AFSIM
• Experience with genetic algorithms, machine learning, AI, and reinforcement learning algorithms

ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril Labs is a multidisciplinary team of technologists, solution architects, engineers, and military subject matter experts. Its mission is to drive innovation across all Anduril business units and product lines by developing novel concepts and next-generation technologies that enhance Anduril’s competitive edge and give its customers a decisive technological advantage over its adversaries.

ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a talented mid-level Software Engineer with a strong background in optimization to join our growing team at Anduril Labs. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing advanced algorithms and software solutions to tackle complex, multi-domain optimization problems critical to national defense and Anduril’s autonomous systems.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in classical optimization algorithms, robust Python programming skills, and a solid foundation in data modeling. Experience with developing hybrid quantum optimization solutions is a plus. You will leverage state-of-the-art, GenAI-powered development tools such as Claude Code to accelerate solution development and enhance our optimization software. This role demands creative problem-solving, a self-starter mentality, and the ability to rapidly apply algorithmic theory and mathematic modeling to practical, real-world optimization challenges. You will be designing, implementing, and deploying optimization algorithms and services that integrate seamlessly into larger defense systems, working across various platforms (on-prem, cloud, and hybrid quantum computing environments). Familiarity with modeling linear and non-linear optimization problems, rapid prototyping, integrating optimization solutions into existing architectures, leveraging APIs, and utilizing open-source tools will be crucial.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment that values creative problem-solving, love writing code, excel as both an individual contributor and team player, are eager to learn, and bring a can-do attitude, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Design, develop, and implement highly efficient optimization algorithms and software solutions to solve challenging problems in areas such as resource allocation, scheduling, routing, mission planning, control systems, and supply chain logistics.
• Apply classical optimization techniques (e.g., linear programming, mixed-integer linear programming, combinatorial optimization, network flow, dynamic programming, heuristics, metaheuristics) to model and explore novel approaches.
• Utilize GenAI tools (e.g., OpenAI Codes, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) to rapidly prototype, refine, and test algorithmic solutions, improving development velocity and code quality.
• Develop robust data models and efficient data pipelines to support complex optimization problems, ensuring data integrity and efficient processing for algorithmic inputs and outputs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (software engineers, data scientists, domain experts, product managers) to integrate optimization engines and services into larger defense systems and platforms.
• Perform rigorous testing, validation, and performance analysis of optimization solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and accuracy under diverse operational conditions.
• Participate actively in the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements gathering and design to deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Support Anduril- and customer-funded R&D efforts, contributing to technical documentation, presentations, and patent applications.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in software development with a dedicated focus on optimization, algorithmic problem-solving, or operations research.
• Experience solving optimization problems in defense, transportation, supply chain, logistics, network optimization, smart grids or similar
• Expert proficiency in Python for scientific computing and robust software development.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of classical optimization algorithms (e.g., linear programming, mixed-integer linear programming, constraint programming, network flow, dynamic programming, heuristics, meta heuristics).
• Hands-on experience with optimization libraries and commercial/open-source solvers (e.g., SciPy Optimize, PuLP, CVXPY, Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools, GEKKO). Experience with Gurobi is a plus.
• Solid experience with data modeling, data structures, and algorithms to efficiently prepare, process, and manage data for optimization problems.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience using GenAI tools (e.g., OpenAI Codex, Claude Code, Gemini Code Assist, GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, or similar) for software development, code generation, debugging, and algorithmic exploration.
• Proficiency in using numerical computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and Pandas.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of software testing principles and practices, including unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
• Ability to develop, test, and deploy software effectively on Linux-based systems.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret SCI security clearance.
• Experience with Git version control, build tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or a closely related quantitative field.
  • Familiarity with or a strong interest in quantum optimization algorithms, quantum computing concepts, or quantum-inspired heuristic approaches. Experience with D-Wave’s quantum annealing platform is a plus.
  • Experience with performance-critical programming languages such as C++ or Java.
  • Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for deploying scalable optimization solutions or high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
  • Prior experience in defense, aerospace, logistics, supply chain management, robotics, or manufacturing optimization domains.
  • Familiarity with integrating machine learning models with optimization techniques (e.g., prescriptive analytics, reinforcement learning for optimization).
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts, present findings, and influence technical direction across diverse teams.
  • Willingness to travel up to approximately 10%.