Automation Engineer, General

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

54d

About The Position

At Anduril, our Automation Engineers are the builders of modern defense manufacturing, transforming complex hardware designs—including autonomous air, ground, maritime, and sensor systems—into high-rate automated production realities. You will step into a fast-paced environment where you will design, program, commission, and scale greenfield automated workcells, robotics, and advanced controls platforms across our multi-site manufacturing footprint. We are seeking talented Automation Engineers across all experience levels (Associate, Mid, Senior, and Staff) with expertise across industrial robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electro-mechanical design, and custom software integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience across automated manufacturing environments).
• Demonstrated practical experience or technical foundation in one or more of the following areas: Controls & Automation: Experience programming and commissioning PLCs, HMIs, and motion control systems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley).
• Robotics & Motion Control: Hands-on exposure to industrial or collaborative robotic platforms (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, UR), robot path planning, kinematic modeling, or multi-axis gantry systems.
• Software & Tooling: Proficiency in software development using Python, C++, C#, or ROS/ROS 2, alongside CAD/modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, EPLAN).
• Electrical & Safety Systems: Understanding of industrial fieldbuses, sensor systems, motor sizing, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and machinery safety protocols.
• Problem-Solving & Agility: Strong hands-on troubleshooting abilities, proactive initiative, and the capability to thrive in rapid-iteration, ambiguous, and hardware-intensive environments.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design, development, simulation, and deployment of full-lifecycle automated assembly, testing, and material-handling workcells from concept through high-volume production.
• Develop, debug, and optimize robust PLC, HMI, and SCADA code across modern industrial platforms (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) utilizing IEC 61131-3 languages and industrial networking protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Program, calibrate, and simulate multi-axis industrial and collaborative robots (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Universal Robots, Staubli), implementing advanced trajectory planning, sensor integration, vision guidance, and functional safety systems (e.g., DCS, SafeOperation).
• Design electrical schematics, panel layouts, and safety circuits using CAD tools (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks), ensuring strict compliance with industry standards such as NEC, NFPA 70E, and UL508A.
• Integrate custom tooling, vision inspection systems, and edge devices using high-level programming languages (Python, C++, C#) to interface production equipment directly with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and telemetry databases.
• Partner with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Test Engineering teams to implement Design for Automation (DFA) principles, streamline new product introduction (NPI), and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Benefits At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level