Lead, Design for Manufacturability Engineering

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Air Dominance & Strike : Air Dominance & Strike Hardware : Tooling Design

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Engineer to optimize the design and production of complex electromechanical and structural assemblies. This role involves leading DFM reviews, collaborating with cross-functional teams, developing DFM guidelines, analyzing manufacturing processes, and driving DFM initiatives across various manufacturing technologies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in DFM within high-reliability environments, particularly in the aerospace/defense or automotive industries, and possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead DFM reviews for complex electromechanical and structural assemblies, providing comprehensive feedback on product designs to enhance manufacturability, reduce costs, and minimize defects.
  2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product designers, mechanical engineers, and supply chain specialists, to integrate DFM principles early in the development cycle.
  3. Develop and implement DFM guidelines, tools, and best practices for the engineering team.
  4. Analyze manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend optimizations using simulation tools and data-driven insights.
  5. Drive DFM initiatives across a broad range of manufacturing technologies, including composites, precision machining, casting, sheet metal fabrication, welding, injection molding, and advanced electrical assemblies (PCB/PCA, wire harness manufacturing), with a focus on high-reliability applications.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in design engineering, with at least 4 years focused on DFM in a senior or lead capacity.
  • First Principles Thinking: A rigorous mindset focused on breaking down complex problems to their fundamental truths, enabling innovative solutions to manufacturing challenges.
  • Proven track record in optimizing designs for complex electromechanical and structural assemblies in high-volume manufacturing within the automotive and/or aerospace/defense industries.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and DFM analysis tools (e.g., simulation software for assembly and tooling).
  • Strong understanding and direct experience with a broad range of manufacturing processes, including composites, precision machining (CNC), casting, sheet metal fabrication, welding, injection molding, and advanced electrical assemblies (PCB/PCA, wire harness manufacturing) within high-reliability environments.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis (e.g., Six Sigma or Lean methodologies).
  • Leadership experience, including mentoring teams and driving cross-functional projects.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance

Nice to have

  • Certifications in DFM, PMP, or related areas
  • experience with agile development environments

What the JD emphasized

  • high-reliability environments
  • high-volume manufacturing
  • aerospace/defense industries
  • automotive industries
  • DoD Secret Clearance