Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion

Anduril Industries; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO plans

Income Protection and Disability Insurance

Professional Development reimbursement

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Propulsion Development team in Santa Ana, California. This role involves developing propulsion components for autonomous air vehicles, requiring hands-on experience and a firm grasp of engineering fundamentals. Ideal candidates will have a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering and CAD skills, along with experience in prototyping and manufacturing processes. Competitive salary range is $129,000—$171,000 USD, along with comprehensive healthcare benefits and additional perks.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a technical engineering role or equivalent experience.
• Ability to produce high-quality engineering models and drawings.
• Experience with shop tools, machining, and soldering.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design and development of propulsion components.
• Lead technical efforts to define requirements and propose solutions.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and mechanical systems.

Skills

Proven CAD skills

Hands-on prototyping skills

Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX/Teamcenter

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

About The Team

Anduril is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Propulsion Development team at our Santa Ana facility. The Propulsion team designs, develops, and qualifies engines that power Anduril's family of autonomous air vehicles. We take engines from concept through prototype, test, and into production on timelines measured in months. Our team operates at the intersection of high‑performance rotating machinery, advanced manufacturing, and rapid flight test, delivering propulsion systems that are redefining what’s possible for defense applications.

You will work on engine development in a lean, high‑ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to test and fly new hardware within months, not years.

About The Job

Here you will work on core propulsion hardware development, including engine components, assemblies, and propulsion subsystems. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines within the Propulsion team and across the broader vehicle programs. Ideal candidates are practical, hands‑on, and self‑starters.

What You’ll Do

• Own and drive mechanical design and development of propulsion components and assemblies, overseeing the process from initial concept to low‑rate production.
• Lead technical efforts to define requirements, propose possible solutions, and establish a methodology for evaluating and verifying mechanical systems.
• Work in close partnership with other disciplines to ensure the electrical, software, and mechanical systems collectively form a reliable, flexible, cost‑effective system.
• Spearhead design reviews, conduct analysis, visit vendors, prototype and implement hardware test plans.
• Actively contribute to the enhancement of team tools, templates, processes, and standards.
• Balance operational needs across engine subsystems while optimizing for performance, mass, manufacturability, and cost.
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Travel to test sites and vendors as needed.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
• 2+ years in a technical engineering role, or equivalent experience through student engineering teams (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, etc.), personal projects, or internships, demonstrating a high level of personal contribution
• Proven CAD skills and the ability to produce high‑quality engineering models and drawings that comply with common industry standards.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in machine design, mechanisms, fluids, thermal, and structures
• Hands‑on prototyping, fabrication, and assembly skills, including experience with shop tools, machining, and soldering
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, 3D printing, castings, sheet metal, composites) and ability to design for manufacturability
• US Person status is required as this position needs to access export‑controlled data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with engine design, assembly, or testing (turbine, automotive, etc.)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, including tolerancing for high‑speed rotating machinery
• Experience in NX/Teamcenter, including managing design releases from prototype to production
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering analysis (structural, dynamic, CFD, etc.)
• Experience working with and integrating electromechanical components into mechanical designs, including motors, controllers, and sensors

US Salary Range

$129,000—$171,000 USD

Healthcare Benefits

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.

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams

Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.

To Ensure Your Safety And Help You Navigate Your Job Search With Confidence, Please Keep The Following Critical Points In Mind

• No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
• Please always verify communications:
  • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
  • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency’s authenticity by reaching out to [e-mail].
• Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender’s email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
• What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to [e-mail].

Data Privacy

To view Anduril’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.