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Salary: USD 147,000 - 196,000 / annual
Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join the Space Manufacturing team in Costa Mesa, California. This is a technical leadership role responsible for owning the manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware.
You will lead cross-functional initiatives spanning the entire vehicle integration value chain, including Design for Manufacturability, advanced manufacturing process development, tooling design and selection, supplier technical management, quality system implementation, and comprehensive work documentation. You will mentor junior engineers and drive excellence across products, demonstrating proven leadership in solving complex technical challenges with innovative, practical solutions in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware
- Leading Design for Manufacturability initiatives
- Developing advanced manufacturing processes and tooling strategies
- Managing supplier technical relationships and quality systems
- Mentoring junior engineers and leading cross-functional teams
- Scaling manufacturing processes from prototype through production
- Delivering high-reliability hardware on aggressive timelines
- Implementing comprehensive work documentation and process improvements
The ideal candidate has successfully scaled manufacturing processes from prototype to production with a track record of delivering high-reliability hardware on aggressive timelines. You demonstrate world-class mission assurance, quality discipline, and attention to detail, with genuine interest in manufacturing and continuous learning.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline
- 8+ years designing production tooling, fixtures, or mechanical ground support equipment for aerospace, space, defense, or high-reliability industries
- 4+ years as subject matter expert in Sensors and Avionics, Vehicle Integration, or Propulsion and Energetics
- Portfolio of tooling or MGSE personally designed through released drawings, fabrication, and floor use
- Strong CAD proficiency (NX, SolidWorks, or CREO) with sound GD&T practice on tooling drawings
- Structural sizing and load path analysis experience for handling and lift hardware, including proof load and lift certification requirements
- Experience designing tooling or MGSE for cleanroom environments with knowledge of IEST-STD-CC1246 and ASTM E595 standards
- Experience specifying and procuring tooling or capital equipment through supply chain (specifications, vendor selection, long-lead planning, acceptance)
- Demonstrated quantified improvement through tooling or automation (cycle time, ergonomic risk, defect rate, or touch labor reduction)
- Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills with backing examples
- Personal experience physically manufacturing hardware (machining, fabrication, soldering, assembly, etc.)
- Ability to obtain and maintain active U.S. Secret security clearance
- U.S. Person status due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years designing production tooling, fixtures, or mechanical ground support equipment for aerospace, space, defense, or high-reliability industries
- Experience building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives
- Cleanroom manufacturing or equivalent contamination-controlled environment experience
- Hands-on fluency with manufacturing execution systems and PLM systems (Teamcenter, SAP, Windchill, or equivalent)
- Demonstrated success scaling product testing and production from single units to hundreds per year
- Experience leading and managing teams on fast-paced, complex projects
- Cost analysis, cost reduction strategies, and production budget management skills
- Hands-on experience with software and firmware flashing or end-of-line testing and troubleshooting
- Software scripting experience in any language
- Eligibility for U.S. Top Secret security clearance
