Field Operations Engineer, Deployment Handling

Anduril • Santa Ana, CA

2d

About The Position

The Field Operations Engineer, Deployment Handling, owns ground handling procedures and equipment for moving autonomous maritime vehicles at deployment sites. The role includes designing handling fixtures, selecting and specifying ground support equipment, developing procedures, and ensuring vehicles move safely between transport, storage, and water. The engineer also supports launch and recovery system design, defines host-vessel interfaces, and develops procedures for safe deployment and retrieval at sea across a range of conditions.

The position calls for technical expertise and leadership to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and complete multidisciplinary projects. The engineer will support field operations and at-sea testing, with travel of up to 50%, including extended deployments. This role reports to the Deployment Lead.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience with launch and recovery systems, marine handling equipment, or shipboard operations.
• Familiarity with davit systems, cranes, or other marine handling equipment.
• Understanding of dynamic loads and sea-state effects on marine operations.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including extended deployments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• At least 2 years of experience in material handling, ground support equipment, or field operations.
• Experience designing or procuring handling fixtures or lift equipment.
• Familiarity with heavy-lift safety requirements and lift planning.
• Submarine maintenance experience.
• Ability to work in field environments and travel in support of operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AUV, UUV, or ROV launch and recovery.
• Working knowledge of host-vessel integration for unmanned systems.
• Experience with at-sea operations in defense or commercial maritime.
• Familiarity with naval architecture stability considerations during launch and recovery.
• Experience in defense or maritime robotics.
• Experience with maritime or aerospace ground handling equipment.
• Background in defense field operations or military equipment handling.
• Familiarity with OSHA lift safety and rigging standards.
• Experience developing handling procedures and safety analyses.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design of ground handling fixtures for vehicle movement, lifting, and transport interfaces.
• Select and procure ground support equipment, including cranes, dollies, and custom handling tools.
• Develop handling procedures, lift plans, and safety protocols for field operations.
• Conduct hazard analyses and safety reviews for vehicle handling operations.
• Develop personnel training for ground handling tasks.
• Support handling operations at deployment sites in the field.
• Coordinate with logistics and deployment teams to integrate handling into operational workflows.
• Assist with launch and recovery system design and hardware selection.
• Develop operational procedures for launch and recovery at sea.
• Perform analysis of dynamic loads, sea-state limitations, and safety margins.
• Interface with vehicle mechanical design teams on launch and recovery attachment points and interfaces.
• Support at-sea testing and validation of launch and recovery systems.
• Contribute to training materials for launch and recovery operations.
• Travel up to 50% to test sites and operational locations, including extended deployments.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including a comprehensive, competitive benefits package described as available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

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