Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Actuators

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Core Tech Manufacturing Team rapidly builds cutting-edge defense hardware, specializing in advanced mechanical actuators and motion control systems. This role involves the full manufacturing value-chain, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), specialized tooling, process optimization for precision mechanical and electromechanical assembly, vendor management, quality planning, and documentation for high-reliability hardware. The Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Actuation Systems, will drive the end-to-end manufacturing development and production of high-performance mechanical actuators, ensuring robust operation and reliability in challenging environments. This role requires technical expertise in DFM for complex mechanical and electromechanical systems, advanced precision assembly techniques, and rigorous test development for critical motion control components. It is ideal for a hands-on technical expert who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and delivering innovative manufacturing solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of progressive manufacturing or design engineering experience, specifically with precision mechanical components, electromechanical hardware, or motion control systems.
• Proven track record of driving significant technical initiatives, providing expert guidance, and mentoring engineers.
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering complex electromechanical hardware (actuators, robotics) in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
• Deep expertise in establishing and optimizing manufacturing environments, including MBOM creation, MES integration, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) for actuator production.
• Proficient with Siemens NX for CAD and Teamcenter for PLM software.
• Hands-on experience physically manufacturing hardware (e.g., precision machining, additive manufacturing, electromechanical assembly, fabrication).
• Strong interest in manufacturing high-performance defense hardware and a commitment to continuous technical mastery.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Personal projects in robotics or control systems a plus.
• Hands-on experience with control systems, servo motors, or high-performance electromechanical components in aerospace, marine, or robotics.
• Experience with harsh environment manufacturing considerations (e.g., sealing, corrosion prevention, vibration isolation, lubrication).
• Familiarity with aerospace (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810) or marine environmental testing and qualification standards.
• Software scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation, data analysis, or testbed control.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes like precision grinding, gear cutting, or specialized surface treatments for critical components.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical driver for NPI initiatives, transitioning precision mechanical actuators and electromechanical systems from prototype to scalable production, architecting solutions for manufacturability, performance, and supply chain robustness.
• Act as the principal manufacturing interface with Design Engineering, providing critical and influential feedback for Design For Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFA) specifically for actuator components and integrated systems.
• Architect, design, and oversee implementation of novel tooling, jigs, and fixturing for precision actuator assembly, alignment, and testing, setting best practices.
• Establish and continuously optimize robust, repeatable process flows for complex actuator assemblies, encompassing intricate operations like bearing installation, gear train assembly, sensor integration, and sealing, setting benchmarks for manufacturing excellence.
• Strategically define, implement, and optimize Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) and Routings within MES and ERP systems, specifically for actuator sub-assemblies and final product builds.
• Drive the development and standardization of comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including detailed work instructions, quality control plans, inspection requirements, and environmental test procedures for high-reliability actuators.
• Design, validate, and strategically implement robust test methodologies and equipment for critical actuator performance characteristics (e.g., torque, speed, precision) and environmental qualification (e.g., vibration, thermal, ingress protection).
• Provide deep hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians during prototype builds, troubleshooting, and production validation of actuator hardware, fostering technical excellence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees
• 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: Senior