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Salary: USD 165,000 - 218,000 / annual
Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer to own the hardware architecture, development execution, and technical strategy for its ladar product line. You will be responsible for transitioning high-precision active electro-optical (EO) systems from early-stage prototypes and Engineering Development Units (EDUs) through Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) into scaled, high-rate production.
In this role, you will lead a small team of engineers across mechanical, electrical, optical, and test disciplines. Key responsibilities include:
- Define and own domain-specific hardware architecture, component selection, physical design, and detailed engineering across all disciplines
- Lead the critical transition from low-volume prototype units to high-rate EMD production environments
- Lead hardware preparation and technical artifacts for major program milestones including Hardware SRR, PDR, CDR, and Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR)
- Own the hardware side of New Product Introduction (NPI), coordinating inventory and assembly of EDU and EMD-1 builds for field testing and environmental Design Verification Testing (DVT)
- Architect, build, and ruggedize manufacturing and optical test equipment for efficient, repeatable, and automated production-floor testing
- Define, implement, and track hardware Verification and Validation (V+V) metrics to ensure absolute system reliability in extreme physical environments
- Partner closely with the Chief Engineer and functional engineering leads to ensure sufficient, high-performing hardware engineering staffing
- Own the detailed hardware Continuous Improvement (CI) roadmap, oversee the Configuration Control/Change Review Board (CRB), and drive rapid resolution of hardware field issues
- Travel to test sites and manufacturing facilities as needed
The Anduril Imaging team develops state-of-the-art imaging systems deployed to tackle significant security challenges for the U.S. and its allies, leveraging computer vision, perception, electro-optical, infrared, and sensor fusion technologies.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a hard science
- 8+ years of experience developing and deploying complex electromechanical, electro-optical, or active sensing systems
- Deep engineering skillset spanning mechanical, electrical, optical, and test disciplines, with proven experience in system design, architecture definition, and performance modeling
- Proven experience managing New Product Introduction (NPI), leading initial system builds, and managing hardware scaling or sustainment at scale
- Strong track record of leading high-performance, cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel to test sites and manufacturing facilities as needed
- Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Direct experience defining, designing, and testing active optical/imaging systems, Ladar/Lidar, or high-precision pointing architectures
- Proven success transitioning hardware from low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) / rapid prototyping environments to high-reliability, qualified EMD and production programs
- Strong hands-on experience with environmental testing standards (thermal, shock, vibration) and advanced design, simulation, and optical test equipment
- Familiarity with supply chain coordination, inventory management, and defining "clear to build" metrics for complex assemblies
