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Anduril

Builds autonomous weapons for the US and allies

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

Manufacturing EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeCosta Mesa, CA, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • At least 8 years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, space systems, aviation, defense, or another high-reliability industry, including a track record leading complex manufacturing programs from development through production.
  • A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.
  • Deep knowledge of aerospace and high-reliability electronics standards, including IPC-610/620 Class 3, IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, and NASA-STD-8739 series for soldering, wire harness, and conformal coating.
  • Expert-level understanding of PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT, through-hole, conformal coating, potting, and component selection and screening, plus technical knowledge of box-level assembly, cabling, harnessing, mechanical integration, thermal management, and EMI/EMC.
  • Hands-on experience implementing and optimizing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Odoo, and Aligni, digital work instructions, and manufacturing process controls such as SPC, Lean, and Six Sigma.
  • Expertise in root cause analysis methods including 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and PFMEA; corrective and preventive actions (CAPA); process validation; first article inspection (FAI); and manufacturing qualification plans.
  • Ability to influence design for manufacturability and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems design teams, with experience designing or specifying custom tooling, fixtures, and test equipment for complex assemblies.
  • Technical communication ability to present to cross-functional teams and executive leadership, and experience leading cross-functional initiatives across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations.
  • A record of success in fast-paced, startup, or rapid-development environments while maintaining quality and attention to detail, with willingness to work directly on the manufacturing floor alongside technicians.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for PCBAs, box-level assemblies, electro-optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with space-grade standards including IPC-610/620 Class 3 and NASA-STD-8739 series.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives from concept through production, partnering with design engineers to optimize producibility, yield, and cost, and provide hands-on technical leadership to manufacturing technicians.
  • Own quality assurance for assigned manufacturing processes, lead root cause analyses and corrective actions for non-conformances, and mitigate risks through PFMEA, process validation, and quality planning.
  • Specify, qualify, and deploy advanced assembly tools, fixtures, test equipment, and automation solutions, including custom tooling design using CAD/3D modeling capabilities.
  • Implement and optimize Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP workflows, and digital manufacturing tools to improve traceability, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Establish and manage technical relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers, conduct assessments, audits, and qualification activities, and drive quality improvements and manufacturability enhancements.
  • Lead or participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR), manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR), and production readiness reviews (PRR) for flight hardware programs.
  • Collaborate across systems, electrical, mechanical, optical, test, and quality engineering disciplines, and communicate manufacturing status, risks, and mitigation strategies to program management, supply chain, and executive leadership.
  • Analyze production data and lead scaling from low-rate to high-rate production, implementing Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement programs to optimize throughput, reduce cycle times and costs, and enhance product reliability.
  • Define manufacturing strategy for spacecraft product lines, mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, and represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross-functional leadership forums and strategic planning sessions.

Desired Qualifications

  • A master's degree or equivalent advanced experience.
  • Direct experience manufacturing satellites, spacecraft, or space-based instruments (flight hardware), including spacecraft environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, and acoustics) and launch site integration support.
  • Familiarity with space-grade materials, processes, and workmanship standards such as NASA-STD-8739 series, ECSS standards, and IPC Space Addendum requirements.
  • Harness and cable assembly design capability, including schematic reading and drawing using Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar design software.
  • Experience with electro-optical or infrared sensor assembly, including optical alignment, cleaning protocols, contamination control, and cleanroom manufacturing practices.
  • Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies including selective soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray inspection, conformal coating systems, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling or flight hardware.
  • A track record scaling production from prototype/LRIP to high-rate production, from tens to hundreds of units, and experience implementing automation or semi-automation solutions for electronics assembly.
  • Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) with demonstrated project results and continuous improvement achievements.
  • Experience managing technical relationships with PCBA suppliers, cable/harness vendors, and contract manufacturers, including supplier audits, qualification activities, and AS9100.
  • Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling software such as NX Design, SolidWorks, CREO, or Fusion 360, and scripting tools such as Python or MATLAB for tooling design, DFM reviews, and data analysis.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary manufacturing programs with P&L or budget authority and recognized subject matter expertise in spacecraft manufacturing or high-reliability electronics.
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

About the Company

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Anduril

Builds autonomous weapons for the US and allies

Anduril builds autonomous weapons, such as drones, cruise missiles, and robot submarines, for the US military and its allies, often developing them with its own money before any order arrives. In 2024 it beat Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for an Air Force contract to develop Fury, a pilotless jet that flies alongside crewed fighters. Its Lattice software merges camera and radar feeds into one live map and lets a few operators direct many drones and weapons at once, including other companies' systems. Governments buy its systems under contract, and Anduril builds much of the hardware in its own factories. Oculus founder Palmer Luckey co-founded Anduril in 2017, and it is based in Costa Mesa, California.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
Private
Total funding
$11.5B
Headquarters
Costa Mesa, CA
Founded
2017

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