Development Fabrication Technician

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Development Fabrication team, within Mechanical Services, builds in-house prototype hardware for Anduril's highest-priority defense programs. We work closely with design engineers, fabricating custom chassis, structural frames, and complex weldments from evolving designs. Our work directly contributes to the speed and agility required for national security. You will fabricate low-volume structural prototypes and weldments for advanced defense programs in a high-tempo R&D environment. You will own the manufacturing process from concept to completion, working directly with design engineers, interpreting dynamic drawings/CAD, and proactively solving fit-up and manufacturability challenges on the shop floor. Your expertise will directly impact the quality and delivery of critical national security hardware.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on metal fabrication and welding experience in prototype, R&D, or low-volume production.
• 5+ years of expertise in GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW welding (steel, stainless, aluminum, exotic alloys).
• Proficiency in sheet metal fabrication and forming (finger brakes, slip rollers, bead rollers, etc.) with precise tolerance control.
• Able to accurately read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including GD&T.
• Proficiency in basic conventional machining (manual mill and lathe) to +/- 0.005 inches.
• Adaptable problem-solver: Thrives in dynamic R&D, making sound technical decisions with incomplete or changing information.
• Strong shop math and practical mechanical reasoning for complex fabrication problem-solving.
• Agile and mission-driven: Manages shifting priorities effectively, maintaining quality despite evolving national security program demands.
• Direct, collaborative communicator: Professionally challenges designs and provides clear, constructive feedback to engineering on manufacturability.
• Team-first mentality: Willing to mentor peers, share knowledge, and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access to export-controlled data.

Nice To Haves

• CAD experience, ideally NX or SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of start-to-finish sequencing for large-scale fabrication builds.
• High mechanical aptitude from aerospace, automotive, or motorsports backgrounds.
• Experience designing weld fixtures and holding tolerances on large weldments (e.g., within +/- 0.010 inches).
• Familiarity with aerospace welding standards such as AWS D17.1 or NAVSEA/D1.1.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders, determine efficient build plans and production sequences for timely delivery.
• Fabricate small to large assemblies (independently or collaboratively) using build planning, layout, prep, welding, drilling, grinding, manual machining, and sawing.
• Own R&D tasks end-to-end with limited oversight: evaluate, design, order material, and execute fabrication.
• Design and build weld fixtures to hold stringent tolerances on complex weldments.
• Perform quality checks on finished hardware, flagging issues before program integration.
• Give direct feedback to design engineers on manufacturability, driving buildability improvements.
• Work safely and ensure adherence to OSHA and internal safety standards within the shop.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed