Senior Mechanical Engineer: Mechanisms, Space

Anduril Industries • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

WHAT YOU’LL DO Create mechanisms ( optical focus, shutters, filter wheels, etc.) for space payloads ranging from small cameras to large telescopes that survive the launch and space environments Review literature and parallel applications to inform architecture and selection Run hand calculations to size actuators and components Select, procure, and rigorously test (e.g., environmental, accelerated life) actuators and sensors; this includes architecting test plans, overseeing test setup development, characterizing performance, and reporting findings to inform integration Own hardware design from concept to launch, intelligently pacing design maturity with a holistic program view Use first principles for every decision and continuously simplify designs Communicate pros/cons of system architectures with respect to mechanism design and performance Lead subsystem design reviews and provide clear status updates on timelines and technical progress Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful designs to flight hardware and low-rate production Create excellent technical documentation (presentations, test plans/reports, procedures, drawings, specifications, etc.) Mentor junior engineers

Requirements

• BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science
• Ability to obtain and hold U.S. Top Secret security clearance
• 5+ years of mechanism design experience with space hardware and demonstrated track record of success fielding flight hardware
• Mechatronics experience: review datasheets, select components, interface with actuators and sensors, architect and prototype control loops, and facilitate integration into higher level mechanical/electrical assemblies
• Coding experience in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for analytical models, data acquisition/automation
• Experience using microcontrollers for prototyping such as Arduino, RasPi, STM, or other
• Experience with high-reliability design, athermalization, and vibration/shock resistance
• Experience with mechanical alignments, kinematic mounting, and qualification test campaigns
• Excellent attention to detail, highly motivated, self-starting, and autonomous
• Organized with ability to define scope and requirements for ambiguous problems

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on technical project experience (academic, extracurricular, or personal)
• Experience in related industries
• Structural or thermal testing experience
• CAD proficiency and ability to create engineering drawings meeting industry standards
• Hands-on fabrication and assembly skills with hand tools, mill, lathe, etc.
• Strong fundamentals in optics, heat transfer, statics, solid mechanics, and materials

Responsibilities

• Create mechanisms ( optical focus, shutters, filter wheels, etc.) for space payloads ranging from small cameras to large telescopes that survive the launch and space environments
• Review literature and parallel applications to inform architecture and selection
• Run hand calculations to size actuators and components
• Select, procure, and rigorously test (e.g., environmental, accelerated life) actuators and sensors; this includes architecting test plans, overseeing test setup development, characterizing performance, and reporting findings to inform integration
• Own hardware design from concept to launch, intelligently pacing design maturity with a holistic program view
• Use first principles for every decision and continuously simplify designs
• Communicate pros/cons of system architectures with respect to mechanism design and performance
• Lead subsystem design reviews and provide clear status updates on timelines and technical progress
• Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful designs to flight hardware and low-rate production
• Create excellent technical documentation (presentations, test plans/reports, procedures, drawings, specifications, etc.)
• Mentor junior engineers

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.

What This Job Offers

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