3. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation at Anduril requires a blend of deep technical readiness and a clear understanding of your own professional narrative. Focus your energy on these pillars:

Role-related Knowledge – You must demonstrate mastery over core IT infrastructure, including networking, OS-level administration, and hardware management. Interviewers look for candidates who can bridge the gap between "fixing the break" and "architecting for stability."

Problem-solving Methodology – We value clear, structured thinking. When answering technical questions, articulate your hypothesis, your diagnostic steps, and your final resolution. Show us how you minimize downtime and prevent future occurrences.

Cultural Alignment – Anduril is a high-ownership culture. You will be evaluated on your ability to work with ambiguity, your transparency in communication, and your capacity to handle high-pressure environments without losing focus on the end goal.

4. Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Anduril is designed to evaluate both your technical depth and your operational resilience. You should expect a sequence that starts with a high-level screening and moves toward deeper, role-specific assessments. The rigor is consistent, and the pace can be fast; the company values candidates who can move decisively through the stages.

The process often involves a mix of HR screens, technical discussions with hiring managers, and personality-focused interviews to ensure you can thrive in a collaborative but demanding environment. Be prepared for a process that emphasizes practical capability over theoretical knowledge.

The timeline above represents a standard progression from initial engagement to final evaluation. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have refreshed your technical fundamentals before the technical assessment stage. Note that while the structure is generally consistent, the specific focus of the technical assessment may vary depending on the immediate needs of the hiring team.

5. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Systems Infrastructure & Scalability

This area assesses your ability to build systems that scale. You will be evaluated on your knowledge of enterprise-grade hardware and software environments. Strong performance involves demonstrating a "build it once, build it right" mentality.

• Infrastructure as Code – Your experience in automating deployments.
• Security Posture – How you embed security into daily admin tasks.
• Disaster Recovery – Creating robust backups and failover strategies.

Operational Autonomy

Because you may be the primary technical presence, you must prove you can operate without constant supervision.

• Prioritization – Managing a queue of tickets while executing long-term projects.
• Communication – Keeping stakeholders informed during outages.
• Vendor Management – Handling relationships with hardware and service providers.

6. Key Responsibilities

As a Systems Engineer, your primary objective is to maintain the reliability of the local and remote infrastructure. You are responsible for the entire lifecycle of the hardware and software systems used by our teams. This includes:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Service Desk and resolving Tier 2/3 technical escalations.
• Designing and implementing system improvements that reduce manual overhead and increase system uptime.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that new hardware and software implementations meet security and performance standards.
• Maintaining detailed documentation for all systems and procedures to ensure operational continuity.

7. Role Requirements & Qualifications

We seek candidates who possess a blend of hands-on technical skills and a high degree of professional maturity.

• Must-have skills: Deep expertise in Windows/Linux systems administration, advanced networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), and experience with identity management systems (e.g., Active Directory, Okta).
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure), scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash), and experience in a defense or high-compliance (CMMC/ITAR) environment.
• Experience: Typically 5+ years in a senior systems administration or engineering role, with a track record of managing infrastructure for growing teams.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult are the technical assessments? A: The assessments are designed to be practical, not theoretical. Expect to be tested on real-world scenarios you would encounter in the role, rather than abstract algorithm puzzles.

Q: What is the typical timeframe from start to finish? A: While processes vary, you should expect the cycle to take several weeks. If you do not hear back within an expected window, a polite follow-up is appropriate.

Q: How can I stand out during the behavioral interviews? A: Focus on "ownership." Provide examples where you identified a problem, took initiative, and saw the solution through to completion without being asked.

Q: Is this role fully remote? A: Given the nature of the work—which often involves physical hardware and local site support—this role is typically on-site or hybrid. Check your specific job requisition for details.

9. Other General Tips

• Be transparent about your needs: If you have specific requirements regarding salary or equity, be clear and consistent. Ensure you have the final offer details in writing before moving forward.
• Prepare for the "Sole Admin" scenario: If you are told you will be the only tech on-site, ask questions about the support structure and escalation paths.
• Prioritize clarity in communication: In your interviews, avoid jargon. Explain your technical decisions in terms of business value and risk mitigation.
• Document your process: During technical assessments, narrate your thought process. Even if you don't reach the "perfect" solution, your methodology often carries more weight than the final output.

10. Summary & Next Steps

The Systems Engineer role at Anduril is a high-impact position that requires technical rigor, operational autonomy, and a commitment to mission success. By focusing your preparation on your ability to solve complex technical problems and demonstrating your capacity to own infrastructure independently, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the interview process.

Keep your communication professional and proactive throughout the process. Use the insights provided here to guide your study and interview preparation. You are entering a fast-moving, innovative environment, and your ability to demonstrate reliability and technical excellence will be your strongest assets. Good luck.

The salary data provided reflects current market expectations for this role. Use this to benchmark your own requirements and negotiate effectively based on your specific level of experience and the scope of the role.