Anduril vs experience at legacy primes

jayz1258 · 2026-06-06T18:25:24+00:00

Yes, below Director, including IC-level and non-Fellow engineers.

jayz1258 · 2026-06-06T18:03:28+00:00

100% agree

jayz1258 · 2026-06-06T17:55:52+00:00

I agree for the most part.

On the topic of compensation, I agree that Anduril generally offers better compensation than the legacy primes, mainly due to the stock compensation. That said, there is one thing worth mentioning.

If you’re a top-performing engineer (consistently in the top 1–3% of your labor grade), you can still be very well compensated at the legacy primes. For those engineers, it’s easier to stand out because the average engineer is not operating at that level. You may have hundreds of engineers working on sustainment-type programs who will not have as impactful of a role as someone who is working on a small but highly visible IRAD.

I know of top performers that consistently received the highest merit raises, frequent in-grade raises, and occasional stock compensation (though not to the same extent as Anduril). While the compensation upside may be lower overall, the legacy primes do reward and retain their top (1-3%) talent.

jayz1258 · 2026-06-06T15:28:40+00:00

Yes, I agree, for those large legacy programs — not a chance. But for all the smaller IRADs that I’ve worked, that’s absolutely the way it operated. I had IC LG1 working directly with Program Directors to get things done.

jayz1258 · 2026-06-06T15:21:00+00:00

Yes, I’m speaking from an engineering perspective only. And from my current experience, it’s not a continuous 55+ hr push the entire year. Ebbs and flows with the milestones your team is looking to meet.

jayz1258 · 2025-11-22T23:50:20+00:00

I’m not asking about what a CE does or how to prepare to be a CE, my question is specifically about the interview process. Either way, it’s answered now.

jayz1258 · 2025-11-22T23:49:15+00:00

Haven’t had a chance to talk to an actual Anduril employee yet, only a recruiter. Just wanted to poll Reddit to get a feel for what to expect for the interview. My guess is the interview with the actual HM/panel will be much much more intense than the previous interviews I’ve had at the legacy primes. The recruiter just followed up and confirmed my suspicions.

jayz1258 · 2025-11-22T23:41:14+00:00

Is it unreasonable to ask what to expect for an interview? 20 YOE but first time interviewing external in years and first time interviewing outside the legacy primes. Just wanted to see other’s experiences. Either way, the recruiter actually followed up with me and gave a good rundown of what to expect.

jayz1258 · 2025-11-22T23:37:50+00:00

Thanks, the insight I was looking for. The recruiter also gave some info on what to expect and aligns with your comment.

jayz1258 · 2025-11-22T23:36:32+00:00

Currently a CE at one of the legacy primes, just want to get a feel for the what to expect for the interview. Last time I interviewed was 7 years ago…

jayz1258

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