Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Space

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

12d

About The Position

Anduril’s Space Manufacturing team is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to own the manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware. The role covers the vehicle integration value chain, including design for manufacturability, advanced manufacturing process development, tooling design and selection, supplier technical management, quality system implementation, and comprehensive work documentation. The engineer will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and drive product quality and reliability. The role calls for proven leadership solving complex technical challenges with practical solutions in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments, experience scaling manufacturing from prototype through production, and a record of delivering high-reliability hardware on aggressive timelines.

The position focuses on designing and delivering production tooling, fixtures, and mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) for high-reliability industries. It includes CAD and GD&T work, structural sizing and load-path analysis for handling and lift hardware, cleanroom-compatible tooling design, and sourcing and accepting equipment through suppliers. The successful candidate will demonstrate measurable improvements through tooling or automation and be able to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance. Travel up to 25% is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 8 years designing production tooling, fixtures, or mechanical ground support equipment for aerospace, space, defense, or another high-reliability industry.
• A portfolio of personally designed tooling or MGSE taken through released drawings, fabrication, and use on the floor.
• Strong proficiency with NX, SolidWorks, or CREO CAD and sound GD&T practice on tooling drawings.
• Experience with structural sizing and load-path analysis for handling and lift hardware, including proof-load and lift-certification requirements.
• Experience designing tooling or MGSE for cleanroom operation, with the ability to justify material, coating, and lubricant choices.
• Familiarity with IEST-STD-CC1246 and ASTM E595.
• Experience specifying and procuring tooling or capital equipment through a supply chain, including specifications, vendor selection, long-lead planning, and acceptance against a facility or program schedule.
• Ability to explain a quantified improvement delivered through tooling or automation, such as cycle time, ergonomic risk, defect rate, or touch labor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with supporting examples.
• Strong commitment to mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and learning.
• Ability to creatively deliver hardware in a resource-constrained environment.
• Personal hands-on hardware manufacturing experience, such as machining, fabrication, soldering, or assembly.

Nice To Haves

• 10 or more years designing production tooling, fixtures, or MGSE for aerospace, space, defense, or another high-reliability industry.
• Experience building or transforming production operations organizations and leading large-scale change initiatives that influence culture, define tools and processes, and improve competencies.
• Cleanroom manufacturing or equivalent contamination-controlled environment experience, including contamination control and FOD prevention discipline.
• Hands-on fluency with a manufacturing execution system and a PLM system as the system of record, including build definition, work instruction or work order authoring, as-built records, and production data; Teamcenter, SAP, Windchill, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success scaling product testing and production from single units to hundreds per year.
• Experience leading and managing teams on fast-paced, complex projects.
• Skills in cost analysis, cost reduction strategies, and managing production budgets.
• Hands-on experience with software and firmware flashing or end-of-line testing and troubleshooting.
• Software scripting experience in any language.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• Work on personal or extracurricular projects.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware.
• Lead work across the vehicle integration value chain, including design for manufacturability, manufacturing process development, tooling design and selection, supplier technical management, quality system implementation, and work documentation.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor junior engineers.
• Design production tooling, fixtures, or mechanical ground support equipment through released drawings, fabrication, and use on the production floor.
• Perform structural sizing and load-path analysis for handling and lift hardware, including proof-load and lift-certification requirements.
• Specify and procure tooling or capital equipment through the supply chain, including specifications, vendor selection, long-lead planning, and acceptance.
• Deliver quantified improvements through tooling or automation, such as improved cycle time, ergonomic risk, defect rate, or touch labor.
• Help scale manufacturing, product testing, and production from prototype or single units toward higher-volume production.
• Travel up to 25%.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of total compensation.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

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