Director, External Affairs

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built, and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a real-time, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

Job Location: Columbus, Ohio, U.S.

About the Team

Arsenal-1, Anduril’s first hyperscale manufacturing facility, will be built in Ohio. Arsenal-1 will redefine the scale and speed at which autonomous systems and weapons can be produced for the United States and its allies and partners. This is a monumental and essential step toward:

Rebuilding America’s defense industrial base

Strengthening America’s warfighting capabilities

Enhancing deterrence amid rising international threats

About the Job

The Director of External Affairs will be responsible for building, cultivating, and managing relationships with stakeholders, industry partners, and the public—ultimately shaping Anduril’s reputation. Reputation is not just about what a company says but how it operates, how it responds to scrutiny, and how it positions itself in critical conversations. Every interaction, whether through trade groups, corporate social responsibility, regulatory discussions, or partnerships, influences how Anduril is perceived.

The Director of External Affairs is a strategic and operational leader responsible for amplifying Anduril’s production capabilities externally with stakeholders in Columbus, OH, and Pickaway County. The ideal candidate has deep relationships with stakeholders across these regions and experience managing external affairs programs and media relations.

What You’ll Do

Build and maintain relationships with local and statewide partners, including Pickaway County community partners, academic institutions, defense industry partners, brand and marketing partners, and critical community groups.

Develop and execute a regional engagement strategy that supports Anduril’s presence, reputation, and long-term success.

Identify and lead partnerships with local workforce development programs, technical schools, veteran transition organizations, and community colleges to support hiring and training.

Represent Anduril at community events, industry conferences, and public forums to enhance the company’s presence and influence.

Manage local and regional media relations, proactively telling the Anduril story through storytelling, site visits, and coverage of milestones.

Oversee strategic community investments, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships aligned with company priorities.

Monitor local sentiment, identify reputational risks, and serve as an early-warning system for emerging issues that could affect Anduril’s operations or brand.

Act as a local ambassador for Anduril with new employees, helping them connect to the company and community.

Required Qualifications

8+ years of communications experience, specifically managing external affairs programs and media relations

Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences

Experience interfacing with company leadership and executives, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate trust and facilitate engagement

Ability to translate and articulate thoughts clearly to software engineers, finance partners, recruiters, cross-functional leadership, and executives

High ownership and capacity to manage 3–5+ large projects and priorities in parallel at a rapid pace

Experience working at a technology and/or high-growth company

Experience working effectively in a matrix organization structure

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on work experience, education, training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most full-time offers and considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package.

Benefits include:

Platinum Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for U.S. employees

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for UK roles and fully subsidized Bupa coverage for AUS roles

Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril

Generous holiday calendar, including a December holiday hiatus, and competitive PTO

16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave

Family Planning & Parenting Support, including fertility, adoption, and gestational carrier coverage

Mental Health Resources: free therapy, life coaching, and additional work-life services

Professional development stipend

Daily meals and stocked micro-kitchens in many offices

Company-funded commuter benefits based on region

Relocation assistance (depending on role)

401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional and Roth options (US roles only)

Recruiters will provide more details on specific compensation and benefits during the hiring process.

Diversity & Inclusion

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The team is made up of talented and unique individuals who are disrupting industry norms. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and considered for employment without regard to:

Race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation

National origin, disability, uniform service, veteran status, age, or other protected characteristics

Criminal history, consistent with applicable state and local laws

Anduril encourages applications from recognized minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The company fosters a welcoming and supportive environment throughout the interview process.

To view Anduril’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit: https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/

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