Mechanical Engineer, Drones

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Tactical Recon & Strike

Mechanical Engineer role at a defense technology company focused on developing autonomous drones and complex systems. Responsibilities include owning mechanical subsystems from concept to production, performing design analysis (FEA), leading design reviews, building prototypes, and executing hardware test plans. Requires experience in mechanical design, CAD, hands-on prototyping, and engineering fundamentals.

What you'd actually do

  1. Own complex mechanical subsystems for Anduril's drone products from concept to full rate production
  2. Gather requirements and work through trade studies to determine the best solution
  3. Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
  4. Lead design reviews and obtain buy-in from other cross-disciplinary partners
  5. Build prototypes, define and execute hardware test plans, iterate on designs, summarize results and lessons learned

Skills

Required

  • 2+ years of mechanical/design experience in a professional setting
  • Demonstrated ownership of a product from concept through production
  • CAD skills (any platform) and ability to make high quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards
  • Proficient in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering)
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanisms
  • Demonstrated project/technical leadership skills (collegiate project teams or professional settings)
  • Ability to summarize technical content in a cohesive way to help inform and shape future requirements
  • BS or MS in mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experience

Nice to have

  • Experience in Solidworks or NX, and PLM systems
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T
  • Advanced designing skills for CNC machining, composites, sheet metal, injection molding, PCBA integration
  • Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Familiarity with running a qualification campaign for flight hardware
  • Familiarity with designing for rugged environments
  • Experience with electro-mechanical and electrical design concepts
  • Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc.

What the JD emphasized

  • Demonstrated ownership of a product from concept through production