Mechanical Engineer, Drones

Job Application for Mechanical Engineer, Drones at Anduril Industries Mechanical Engineer, Drones Costa Mesa, California, United States Apply 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 TEAM Anduril’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment. ABOUT THE JOB Anduril is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Here you will work on core product development for drones and complex systems, including but not limited to optical gimbals, batteries, mechanisms, structures, sensors and payloads. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines. 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 complex mechanical subsystems for Anduril's drone products from concept to full rate production Gather requirements and work through trade studies to determine the best solution Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs Lead design reviews and obtain buy-in from other cross-disciplinary partners Build prototypes, define and execute hardware test plans, iterate on designs, summarize results and lessons learned Perform root cause investigations for hardware failures in development and production 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 5+ years of mechanical/design experience in a professional setting Demonstrated ownership of a product from concept through production CAD skills (any platform) and ability to make high quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards Proficient in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering) Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanisms Demonstrated project/technical leadership skills (collegiate project teams or professional settings) Ability to summarize technical content in a cohesive way to help inform and shape future requirements BS or MS in mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experience PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in Solidworks or NX, and PLM systems Solid understanding and application of GD&T Advanced designing skills for CNC machining, composites, sheet metal, injection molding, PCBA integration Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills Familiarity with running a qualification campaign for flight hardware Familiarity with designing for rugged environments Experience with electro-mechanical and electrical design concepts Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc. US Salary Range $129,000 - $171,000 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. 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