Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Drones

Anduril Industries•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

Anduril’s Drones team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and efficient, high-volume production for our advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) like Bolt, Ghost, Anvil, and future autonomous platforms. As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer in Drones, you will support products from the early design phase, develop/improve the manufacturing process and support production ramps for several products. The diverse responsibilities of this role will require you to leverage your technical expertise as well as leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and drive rapid project execution. You will play a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies on existing technologies while also developing new products and scaling to full scale production.

Requirements

Degree in a technical field such as engineering, math, or a hard science
5+ years in manufacturing or similar prototyping position
Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills, with backing examples
An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication
A genuine interest in manufacturing and thirst for learning
Demonstrated ability to creatively deliver hardware in a resource-constrained environment
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies.
Harness & PCBA fabrication experience including prior work with or setup/modification/monitoring SMT processes.
Experience leading and managing teams on fast-paced, complex projects.
Hands-on experience with R/C and/or autonomous flight vehicles, flight controllers, or other related control systems.
Software scripting experience in any language.
Experience in NX/Teamcenter

Responsibilities

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Manufacturing Engineers with deep product knowledge in mechanical, electrical, system integration, and end of line tests
Lead the transition of products from concept to prototype, pilot, and full production with speed, flexibility, scalability, and first-time quality
Provide daily sustaining support to ensure each product line performs as intended, including real-time problem-solving related to mechanical fitment issues, electrical and harnessing issues, as well as software and firmware issues
Work with cross functional team (design, quality, supply chain, etc.) during the development process to drive design for manufacturing best practices into the design effort, and help facilitate the transition from design to prototype to rate production
Own documentation required for successfully manufacturing product group hardware at scale, such as MBOM’s, work instructions & requirements, etc.
Uphold and advise on quality management and business application programs as they pertain to manufacturing within your area
Facilitate make versus buy decisions, and coordinate with internal supply chain teams to manage vendors to ensure quality deliveries on time
Contribute to end-customer hardware mechanical or electrical design, including interconnects, board fabrication and inspection, etc.
Analyze metrics for continuous improvement initiatives (cost reduction, QI reduction & capacity increase)
Instill a culture of innovation, teamwork, and accountability within the manufacturing engineering product team

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US 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 Benefits
Income 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 development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.