Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer

Slope; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity grants

Robust health support

Job summary

Slope in Costa Mesa, California, is looking for an Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer. In this role, you will lead initiatives integrating design and analysis across multiple engineering disciplines to drive the rapid development of cutting-edge weapon systems.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in computational engineering analysis and optimization methods, as well as proficiency in CAD scripting and AI tools to enhance engineering processes. The position offers a salary range of $166,000 — $220,000 USD, along with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years in aircraft/missile design and analysis.
• 3+ years developing MDAO methods across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB within a version-controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead MDAO initiatives and collaborate with air-vehicle design teams.
• Design robust, parameterized CAD models for analysis.
• Apply AI solutions to enhance MDAO workflows.

Skills

Computational engineering analysis

Modeling and simulation

Collaboration across disciplines

Optimization methods

Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Tools

CAD scripting (Engineering Sketch Pad)

ModeFRONTIER/VOLTA

Git

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril's Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) Division is rapidly reshaping the future of peer-to-peer conflict. We are building the next generation of affordable, collaborative combat aircraft, missiles, and the autonomous software that powers them. As we scale, we are seeking a visionary Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer to join our fast-growing team. You will be instrumental in driving the rapid development of cutting-edge weapon systems by integrating and optimizing across the entire design lifecycle. This role is for an engineer who challenges traditional silos between conceptual design, preliminary development, and detailed engineering, bringing together diverse discipline experts to form cohesive, multi-fidelity workflows.

We're looking for someone who understands that models are not just for analysis, but are critical tools for informing every stage of product development – from early design decisions to operational sustainment. Your expertise will bridge the gap between engineering analysis, hardware, and software development, ensuring our modeling and tooling choices directly contribute to delivering mission-critical systems to our customers.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong and broad foundation in computational engineering analysis, adept at modeling both steady-state and transient phenomena. You will integrate disciplinary models (e.g., controls, guidance, mission systems, 6DOF simulations, subsystems, manufacturing) earlier into design iterations. Leveraging commercial MDAO frameworks, you will automate engineering workflows, pioneer advanced methods like Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and proficiently apply cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate and optimize MDAO processes. Experience with CAD scripting (e.g., Engineering Sketch Pad) for parameterized geometry, operational analysis codes, and a deep understanding of error and uncertainty in modeling complex systems are highly desirable.

If you are a highly skilled MDAO practitioner ready to leverage your expertise to revolutionize defense capabilities, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead MDAO Initiatives: Collaborate with air-vehicle design and analysis disciplines and technical leadership across AD&S programs to define and execute critical trade studies, building robust, data-driven workflows using commercial MDAO frameworks.
• Strategic Development: Work with the AD&S Engineering Tools Lead to shape the strategic roadmap for MDAO capabilities, deploy multi-fidelity workflows across programs, and document available resources.
• Geometry Generation: Design and implement robust, parameterized, watertight, CAD-based scripted geometry models to enable multidisciplinary analysis and ensure consistent results.
• Accelerate Design Insights: Drive the earlier integration of disciplinary models into the design process, providing rich data to inform critical tradespace decisions.
• Pioneer Methodologies: Develop and apply cutting-edge MDAO methods and models to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of AD&S teams.
• Apply AI to MDAO: Innovate and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions within MDAO workflows to enhance efficiency and discovery.
• Optimize Workflows: Identify gaps, bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to continuously improve multi-fidelity workflows.
• Execute Advanced Analyses: Assemble and run automated MDAO workflows, Design of Experiments (DOE), optimizations, sensitivity analyses, and Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) for AD&S programs.
• Mentor & Guide: Direct discipline experts on efficient methods and approaches to create "MDAO-hardened" models and tools suitable for robust multi-fidelity workflows.
• Document & Train: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation and training materials for new and experienced technical experts utilizing MDAO technologies across AD&S.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• 5-7+ years of experience in aircraft and/or missile design and analysis.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience developing MDAO methods, demonstrating broad understanding across multiple engineering disciplines, such as: Cost, Configuration Design, Mass Properties, Lethality, Structures, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Vehicle Performance, Thermal Management, Power Management, Systems Engineering, Survivability, Operational Analysis, Mission Systems, Avionics, Launch Systems, and GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Controls).
• Proven experience in developing and deploying MDAO workflows and toolsets.
• Expertise in applying optimization, sensitivity analysis, Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and Design of Experiments (DOE) methods.
• Demonstrable ability to apply large language models and/or develop AI models to enhance or accelerate engineering processes and tasks with measurable efficiency improvements.
• Proficiency in higher-level scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) within a version-controlled environment (preferably Git), with exposure to compiled languages (C, C++, FORTRAN).
• Strong collaborative spirit and a desire to contribute to methods development and process workflows in a team setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, particularly in organizing and presenting complex MDAO insights to inform stakeholders quickly and concisely.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Experience developing MDAO workflows and toolsets using commercial MDAO framework software (e.g., ModeFRONTIER/VOLTA, Siemens HEEDS, or similar environments).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and SAP eligibility.

Salary & Benefits

US Salary Range: $166,000 — $220,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

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