Materials Lab Technician, Mechanical Testing

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

Anduril designs and fields systems across an unusually broad materials portfolio, and the design decisions behind them depend on mechanical test data that is accurate, repeatable, and delivered on time. This role owns the execution of that testing. This is your opportunity to be the person who makes the materials lab run — turning a growing set of capital equipment into dependable throughput, taking routine testing off engineers’ plates, and setting the standard for how mechanical testing gets done. You’ll own the bench, not just a task on it.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in a materials, mechanical, or manufacturing test environment
• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating mechanical test equipment (servo-hydraulic or electromechanical load frames)
• Experience with specimen preparation and machining, precision measurement (calipers, micrometers, extensometers), and test fixturing
• Working knowledge of standardized test methods (e.g., ASTM / ISO) and the discipline to follow them exactly
• Careful data-capture and record-keeping habits, with strong attention to traceability
• Comfort with basic shop and hand tools and a strong lab-safety mindset
• Ability to manage a queue of work and shifting priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Experience with fatigue, fracture, or other advanced / dynamic mechanical testing
• Experience testing advanced or non-standard materials — composites, high-temperature alloys, or additively-manufactured parts
• Familiarity with metallography or specimen sectioning, mounting, and polishing
• Hands-on experience with test-frame software and data-acquisition systems (e.g., Instron, MTS)
• Calibration, gauge R&R, or equipment-maintenance experience

Responsibilities

• Run Mechanical Testing. Execute tensile, compression, and other mechanical tests to established methods (e.g., ASTM / ISO) across programs — set up fixturing, operate the load frame, and capture results accurately.
• Prepare and Manage Specimens. Machine, measure, label, and track test specimens, maintaining traceability from receipt through reported result.
• Own Data Quality. Capture, reduce, and record test data so results are accurate, complete, and analysis-ready for the engineering team.
• Keep the Lab Running. Perform routine equipment upkeep, calibration checks, and consumable management to maximize uptime and equipment utilization.
• Take Testing Off Engineers’ Plates. Absorb routine test execution so engineering time returns to design, analysis, and program support rather than running the bench.
• Uphold Lab Safety and Order. Maintain a safe, clean, well-organized lab and follow all material-handling, PPE, and safety protocols.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Additionally, Anduril offers 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: Associate degree