Senior Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Space

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

13h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead our manufacturing engineering efforts across multiple critical space programs. This pivotal role demands a visionary leader with deep technical expertise in advanced aerospace manufacturing, a proven track record of bringing complex space-qualified hardware from prototype to production, and an unwavering commitment to quality and mission success. The Senior Manager will be responsible for overseeing manufacturing engineering teams and developing robust processes to ensure the successful fabrication, assembly, integration and test of high-reliability space components and systems. This individual will be instrumental in bridging the gap between design and production, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to the most stringent space-flight quality standards.

Requirements

Degree in a technical field preferred such as engineering, math, or a hard science.
At least 8+ years of experience in a relevant field, preferably space and satellite manufacturing, systems engineering, or design of electromechanical hardware.
Demonstrated ability to creatively deliver electromechanical hardware in a resource-constrained environment.
Experience in unit-level/space vehicle/system integration, assembly, and environmental testing (eg., vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic, shock, and EMI/EMC)
Background in integration and testing of avionics/optical payloads, solar, propulsion, ADCS, or other space hardware.
Proven team leadership skills, with examples of successfully managing and developing a diverse team.
Personal experience physically manufacturing hardware through various methods (machining, fabrication, soldering, assembly, etc.). Work on personal or extracurricular projects is a plus.
Possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
Familiarity with CAD software, Manufacturing Execution systems, and ERP/MRP systems.
A genuine interest in manufacturing and a thirst for learning, particularly in the space domain.
Willingness to travel frequently (>25%) to support global manufacturing operations
Demonstrated success in scaling product testing and production from one to tens/hundreds.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in test hardware and software development
Software scripting experience in python
Experience writing test plans, procedures, and work instruction documentation.
Ability to work effectively in space manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated skill at driving and questioning design and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

Strategic and Technical Leadership: Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers and integration & test engineers and foster a culture of innovation, excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary manufacturing engineering lead for several assigned space programs, ensuring technical alignment and execution.
Oversee the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for complex, high-precision space-qualified hardware, including structures, propulsion, avionics, thermal systems, and optical components.
Drive the vision and strategy for growing Anduril's space program, identifying new opportunities and areas for innovation.
New Product Introduction: Ensure robust Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are integrated throughout the product lifecycle, influencing design decisions from early concept phases.
Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and production readiness assessments.
Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and test campaign readiness assessments.
Oversee the design, development, documentation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for highly complex, space components, sub-systems, and integrated systems.
Establish and enforce rigorous quality control standards and inspection methods, ensuring all hardware meets stringent space-grade requirements and a zero-defect mentality.
Provide technical guidance on manufacturing facility layout, equipment selection, and tooling design for both pilot builds and production environments, including cleanroom operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary manufacturing engineering interface with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Test, and Operations.
Collaborate with Supply Chain to assess supplier manufacturing capabilities, quality, and readiness for critical components.
Support proposals, technical reviews, and customer briefings, representing manufacturing engineering capabilities and strategy.

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.