Mechanical Engineer, Drones

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 TEAMAnduril'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 JOBAnduril 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 DOOwn complex mechanical subsystems for Anduril's drone products from concept to full rate productionGather requirements and work through trade studies to determine the best solutionPerform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designsLead design reviews and obtain buy-in from other cross-disciplinary partnersBuild prototypes, define and execute hardware test plans, iterate on designs, summarize results and lessons learnedPerform root cause investigations for hardware failures in development and productionBalance operational needs across vehicle subsystems while optimizing for development speed, mass, manufacturability, and costSupport critical hardware demonstrations with customers as neededTravel to test sites and vendors as neededREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS2+ years of mechanical/design experience in a professional settingDemonstrated ownership of a product from concept through productionCAD skills (any platform) and ability to make high quality engineering drawings that meet industry standardsProficient in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering)Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanismsDemonstrated 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 requirementsBS or MS in mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experiencePREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in Solidworks or NX, and PLM systemsSolid understanding and application of GD&TAdvanced designing skills for CNC machining, composites, sheet metal, injection molding, PCBA integrationOutstanding leadership and interpersonal skillsFamiliarity with running a qualification campaign for flight hardwareFamiliarity with designing for rugged environmentsExperience with electro-mechanical and electrical design conceptsExperience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc.US Salary Range$98,000-$130,000 USDThe 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 BenefitsUS 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 BenefitsIncome 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 developmentCommuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.Retirement Savings PlanUS 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/.