Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion Avionics

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Manufacturing : Manufacturing Engineering : Manufacturing Engineering

Lead Manufacturing Engineer for a defense technology company focused on building advanced military hardware. The role involves leading a team, optimizing manufacturing processes for avionics PCBA and propulsion systems, collaborating with design teams for Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and owning the manufacturing value chain for specific products. Requires strong leadership, NPI experience, and hands-on manufacturing knowledge.

What you'd actually do

  1. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Electrical Manufacturing Engineers and Specialists with deep product knowledge in avionics PCBA and harnessing fabrication, propulsion testing, turbomachinery, and system integration.
  2. Leverage expertise in New Product Introduction (NPI) to seamlessly transition PCBA, harnessing, and integration from prototype to high-volume production, optimizing manufacturability and supply chain scalability.
  3. Be a strong partner with Product Quality Engineering to drive and support RCCA burndowns that tackle key issues both internally and externally to EW Production.
  4. Collaborate with Design Engineering teams early in the development process to feedback Design For Manufacturability.
  5. Own a portion or all of the manufacturing value chain for a certain product or set of products.

Skills

Required

  • Degree in a technical field (engineering, math, or hard science preferred)
  • 8+ years of experience in manufacturing or design of avionics or electrical systems
  • Demonstrated ability to creatively deliver avionics hardware in a resource-constrained environment
  • Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to bring up assembly operations for electrical assemblies
  • Personal experience physically manufacturing hardware (machining, fabrication, soldering, assembly, etc.)
  • Proficient at ERP, CAD, PLM, and FRACAS software

Nice to have

  • Experience with Avionics or Propulsion Products that require system AI&T (assembly, integration, and test)
  • Hands-on experience with software & firmware flashing or end-of-line testing & troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated success in scaling product testing and production
  • Skills in cost analysis, cost reduction strategies, and managing production budgets
  • Software scripting experience in any language

What the JD emphasized

  • Must be a U.S. Person