Actuator Test Engineer

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Hardware Engineering : Mechanical Engineering : Actuators

This role focuses on the testing and validation of electromechanical actuators for defense systems. Responsibilities include developing and executing test plans, designing test fixtures, analyzing test data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine actuator designs. The role requires experience with LabVIEW, data acquisition systems, physical testing of electromechanical systems, and environmental testing methodologies.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop, implement, and execute comprehensive validation and qualification test plans for electromechanical rotary, linear, and geared actuators.
  2. Design, develop, and execute environmental test profiles and plans for actuators, including high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, often adhering to MIL-STD-810 standards and developing custom test methods.
  3. Design robust test fixtures using NX CAD, considering manufacturability via processes like CNC machining, 3D printing, and waterjet cutting, and oversee their fabrication and assembly.
  4. Perform rigorous multi-level testing, ranging from component (electric motor, geartrain) and actuator levels, up to integrated system level testing.
  5. Analyze complex test data, generate clear and concise test reports, and present findings to cross-functional engineering teams.

Skills

Required

  • LabVIEW
  • data acquisition (DAQ) systems
  • physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems
  • electric motors or electromechanical actuators
  • dynamometer testing and associated instrumentation
  • servo control principles
  • environmental testing methodologies
  • MIL-STD-810 standards
  • CAD software (NX)
  • design for manufacturability
  • root cause analysis
  • basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting

Nice to have

  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • C/C++
  • Jira
  • Confluence
  • aerospace
  • defense
  • robotics industry

What the JD emphasized

  • MIL-STD-810 standards
  • NX CAD
  • root cause analysis