Director, Strategic Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Strategic Partnerships

🔹 Company: Anduril Industries

🔹 Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with up to 40% travel)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Formalizing commercial relationships with other companies in the defense and technology industry
• Creating multi-year deals with tangible responsibilities
• Working closely with senior leadership to execute partnership objectives
• Ensuring seamless transitions to operationalize agreements
• Managing confidential projects with sensitive information

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and decision-making, with a significant focus on deal-making and negotiation. It involves working with various stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve strategic objectives.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Work with senior Anduril leadership to understand partnership objectives and execute the details

✅ Represent Anduril to the partner organization during negotiations

✅ Quickly come up to speed on new technical problems and understand the trade space to reach a deal

✅ Develop financial models to estimate costs and revenue potential of a successful partnership

✅ Work closely with Anduril’s deal lawyers to assemble agreements that accomplish objectives

✅ Ensure seamless transition of deals to the right Anduril business unit for operationalization

✅ Develop thoughtful, well-researched, and well-formatted slides for executive audiences

✅ Obsessively take meeting notes, summarize findings, and draft memos for internal and external executives

✅ Learn Anduril’s business top-to-bottom and regularly interact with colleagues across various departments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of adaptability, as it involves working on diverse projects and dealing with various stakeholders. Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are essential for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience

Experience: 7+ years of experience in a strategic role at a high-velocity business, such as management consulting, investment banking, or business development (under quota)

Required Skills:

• Proven deal-making and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical aptitude and financial modeling experience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Secret-level Security Clearance
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the defense industry or with defense technology
• Familiarity with Lattice OS or similar AI-powered operating systems
• Ability to speak multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: While experience in the defense industry is not required, it would be beneficial for understanding the unique dynamics and challenges of this sector. Familiarity with Lattice OS or similar AI-powered operating systems would also be an asset, as it is a core technology used at Anduril.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $168,000 - $252,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits (U.S. roles) or Private Medical Insurance (UK roles) or Private health plan through Bupa (AUS roles)
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar and highly competitive PTO plans
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave
• Family Planning & Parenting Support
• Mental Health Resources
• Professional Development Stipend
• Daily Meals and Provisions
• Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region
• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan (U.S. roles only)

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with the expectation of working additional hours as needed to meet deadlines or manage project demands

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors and may vary based on work experience, education, and other considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Anduril Industries operates in the defense technology sector, focusing on transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. The company specializes in AI-powered operating systems, autonomous systems, sensor fusion, and networking technology.

Company Size: Anduril is a mid-sized company with approximately 5,000 employees, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. This size allows for a high degree of agility and innovation while still offering the resources and stability of a larger organization.

Founded: Anduril was founded in 2017, making it a relatively young company with a strong focus on growth and innovation.

Company Description:

• Anduril is not a traditional defense contractor; it is shaping the future of defense by transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology
• The company emphasizes speed and results, controlling its products from start to finish, including funding R&D to selling finished products off the shelf
• Anduril is in a rapid growth phase, deploying technology in diverse locations and developing path-making products that will change defense forever
• The team includes thinkers and doers working interdependently, with veterans who have lived the problems of our warfighters

Company Specialties:

• National security
• Defense technology
• Artificial intelligence

Company Website: http://www.anduril.com

ASSUMPTION: Anduril's focus on innovation, speed, and results makes it an attractive place for candidates seeking a dynamic and impactful work environment. The company's commitment to transforming defense technology and its unique approach to defense contracting set it apart from traditional defense contractors.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to senior leadership within the Corporate Development team. It is a strategic role with significant influence on the company's growth and partnerships.

Reporting Structure: The Director, Strategic Partnerships will report directly to the Head of Corporate Development or another senior leader within the team. They will work closely with various departments, including hardware and software engineering, supply chain and manufacturing, finance, business development, government relations, and other relevant teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of traveling up to 40% of the time to meet with partners and attend industry events. The role may also require working additional hours to meet deadlines or manage project demands.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Anduril continues to grow and expand its partnerships, there will be opportunities for the Director, Strategic Partnerships to take on additional responsibilities or lead new initiatives
• The dynamic and fast-paced work environment at Anduril offers ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Working closely with senior leadership provides ample opportunities to learn and grow within the role

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Strategic Partnerships role offers significant growth potential, as Anduril continues to expand its partnerships and explore new opportunities in the defense technology sector. The role also provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Anduril's Costa Mesa office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The office features open floor plans, state-of-the-art technology, and ample amenities to support employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Costa Mesa, California, United States

Geographic Context:

• Costa Mesa is located in Orange County, California, approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles
• The area is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters
• Orange County is home to a diverse range of industries, including defense, aerospace, and technology, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time (40 hours per week), with the expectation of working additional hours as needed to meet deadlines or manage project demands. The role may also require traveling up to 40% of the time.

ASSUMPTION: Anduril's Costa Mesa office offers a modern, collaborative work environment designed to support employee productivity and innovation. The office's location in Orange County provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration within the defense and technology industries.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with a member of the talent acquisition team
• Behavioral and technical interviews with hiring managers and team members
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills and analytical aptitude
• Communication and presentation skills
• Negotiation and deal-making skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Anduril's mission and values
• Technical understanding of defense technology and relevant industry trends

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic partnerships, deal-making, and negotiation
• Demonstrate your understanding of Anduril's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals
• Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, analytical aptitude, and communication skills
• Research Anduril's products, technology, and industry position to show your interest and preparation

ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Deal-Making, Negotiation, Financial Modelling, Analytical Aptitude, Problem Solving, Communication, Defense Technology, National Security, AI, Lattice OS

ASSUMPTION: Anduril's interview process is designed to assess candidates' problem-solving skills, analytical aptitude, communication skills, and cultural fit. The company values candidates who can think critically, work collaboratively, and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Financial modeling software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets)
• Defense-specific software and tools (e.g., Lattice OS, other proprietary Anduril software)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are primarily office productivity suites, CRM software, project management tools, and financial modeling software. Familiarity with defense-specific software and tools, such as Lattice OS, would be an asset but is not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Speed and Results: Anduril emphasizes speed and results, focusing on delivering tangible outcomes quickly and efficiently
• Innovation: The company values innovation and encourages employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo
• Agility: Anduril is a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, requiring employees to adapt quickly and embrace change
• Collaboration: The company fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging employees to work together to achieve common goals
• Impact: Anduril is committed to making a meaningful impact on the defense industry and national security

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic: Anduril's work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring employees to adapt quickly and embrace change
• Collaborative: The company fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging employees to work together to achieve common goals
• Results-driven: Anduril is focused on delivering tangible outcomes and measuring success based on results
• Innovative: The company values innovation and encourages employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in fast-paced, dynamic work environments, and are you comfortable with change and uncertainty?
• Are you a strong communicator, able to work effectively with various stakeholders and build consensus?
• Do you have a proven track record of driving results and delivering tangible outcomes in a strategic role?
• Are you comfortable working with sensitive information and managing confidential projects?
• Do you have a strong understanding of defense technology and relevant industry trends?

ASSUMPTION: Anduril's cultural values emphasize speed, innovation, agility, collaboration, and impact. The company seeks candidates who are comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the defense industry and national security.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The dynamic and fast-paced work environment at Anduril can be challenging, requiring employees to adapt quickly and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• The role may require working with sensitive information and managing confidential projects, which can be stressful and demanding
• The travel requirement (up to 40% of the time) can be challenging for candidates with personal or family commitments that limit their ability to travel
• The competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package may attract a large number of candidates, making the application and interview process more competitive

ASSUMPTION: While Anduril offers a dynamic and impactful work environment, the role of Director, Strategic Partnerships also presents unique challenges that candidates should carefully consider before applying. These challenges include the fast-paced work environment, the requirement to work with sensitive information, and the need to travel up to 40% of the time.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to traditional defense contracting roles, the Director, Strategic Partnerships role at Anduril offers a greater focus on innovation, speed, and results, as well as a more dynamic and agile work environment
• Unlike traditional defense contractors, Anduril is not focused on maintaining the status quo but rather on transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology
• Career paths within Anduril may differ from those in traditional defense contractors, offering more opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Strategic Partnerships role at Anduril is distinct from traditional defense contracting roles, offering a greater focus on innovation, speed, and results, as well as a more dynamic and agile work environment. The role also provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Negotiating a multi-year partnership with a major defense contractor to develop and deploy a cutting-edge autonomous system
• Working with a technology startup to integrate their innovative sensor technology into Anduril's Lattice OS platform
• Collaborating with a government agency to establish a public-private partnership for the development and deployment of a new defense technology

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Strategic Partnerships role at Anduril involves working on diverse and complex projects, requiring strong problem-solving skills, analytical aptitude, and communication skills. The role may also involve working with sensitive information and managing confidential projects.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to strategic partnerships, and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does Anduril measure the success of its strategic partnerships, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?
• Can you provide examples of successful strategic partnerships that Anduril has executed, and what lessons were learned from those experiences?
• How does Anduril balance the need for speed and innovation with the requirement to maintain a strong focus on results and tangible outcomes?
• What opportunities exist for professional development and career advancement within the company, particularly for someone in a strategic role like this one?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding Anduril's strategic objectives and work environment. This can help you make a more informed decision about the role and increase your chances of success if you are offered the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, analytical aptitude, and communication skills
• Research Anduril's products, technology, and industry position to show your interest and preparation
• Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.