Senior Mechanical Engineer, Air Vehicle

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 realtime, 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.

About The Job

Anduril is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Maneuver Dominance team at our Costa Mesa HQ. The Maneuver Dominance (MD) Team at Anduril develops aerial robotic systems designed to operate in large coordinated teams in concert with ground maneuver forces. We are chartered to add to Anduril’s list of successful aerial drone platforms like Ghost, Altius, or Roadrunner.

About The Team

Here you will work on core product development for unmanned rotorcraft and complex systems, including but not limited to composites, mechanisms, structures and tooling. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands-on and a self starter. High growth potential is possible as well as additional leadership opportunities.

What You’Ll Do

• Own and drive the mechanical design of a new air vehicle, overseeing the process from initial concept to low rate production.
• Lead technical efforts to define requirements, propose possible solutions, and establish a methodology for evaluating and verifying mechanical systems.
• Work in close partnership with other disciplines to ensure the electrical, software, and mechanical systems collectively form a reliable, flexible, cost-effective system.
• Spearhead design reviews, conduct analysis, visit vendors, prototype and implement hardware test plans.
• Actively contribute to the enhancement of team tools, templates, processes, and standards.
• Cultivate a vibrant, positive, dedicated, high-energy, educational, and enjoyable community environment.
• Balance operational needs across vehicle subsystems while optimizing for development speed, mass, manufacturability, and cost.
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Travel to test sites and vendors as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in an immersive technical project (collegiate project teams or professional settings).
• A minimum of 5+ years in a technical engineering role in a professional setting.
• Strong technical knowledge in core engineering principles, fundamental mechanics of composite materials, design, analysis, testing, and fabrication.
• Deep understanding of load paths, design practices, and hand calculations to design robust structurally efficient assemblies
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (Any platform, but NX preferred) with specific emphasis on complex fixturing and tooling design.
• Hands-on experience supporting assembly fixturing and tooling full life cycle development through design, procurement, build, and implementation.
• Expertise with high-performance airframe manufacturing and assembly processes, including composite and metallic part machining, locating, fixturing, fastening, joining, fuel sealing, and integration from piece part to completed airframe.
• BS or MS in mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NX/Teamcenter.
• Experience with clean sheet aircraft configuration.
• Broad experience in leading tooling and manufacturing of composite and metallic airframes and parts.
• Experience in systems integration during airframe assembly.
• Experience in metrology verification methods and equipment used for aircraft assembly fixturing and part fabrication.
• Demonstrated passion for aviation, aerospace, or unmanned systems through hands-on projects, certifications, or hobbies.
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with running structural development testing.
• Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc.

US Salary Range$148,000—$192,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: 

Healthcare Benefits

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. 
• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. 
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. 

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees. 
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs. 
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting. 
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available. 
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development 
• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. 
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. 

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. 
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. 
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. 

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. 

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