Mechanical Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO plans

Relocation Assistance

Professional development reimbursement

Income Protection

Job summary

Anduril in Costa Mesa, California is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to conduct design and analysis of solid rocket motor components. You will perform CAD design, finite element analysis, and oversee subsystem development with a focus on hardware function. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, a relevant Bachelor's degree, and strong skills in CAD/FEA tools. The position offers a competitive salary range of $129,000 - $171,000 USD along with comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, PTO, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience performing mechanical design and analysis.
• Ability to travel 10-25% to sites as business demands.
• Ability to obtain and hold a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mechanical design and analysis of solid rocket motor components.
• Perform CAD design activities and finite element analysis.
• Own the development of critical subsystems.

Skills

Mechanical design

Stress and thermal analysis

CAD software

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

Tools

NX CAD software

Abaqus FEA software

Microsoft Excel

MATLAB

Python

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’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will conduct mechanical design and analysis of solid rocket motor components, including motor cases, nozzles, propellant grains, igniters, and/or ignition safety components. The right person for this role has a strong command of mechanical design and stress and thermal analysis principles as well as a solid handle on the usage of tools common in industry. If you are someone who is hardware‑focused and detail‑oriented then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Perform CAD design activities of mechanical components.
• Perform finite element analysis of structural and thermal systems.
• Generate, review, and release product definition (i.e. engineering drawings).
• Create reports and presentations documenting analysis and other supporting work.
• Present to peers and customers in design reviews.
• Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations onsite at our manufacturing facilities and suppliers’ facilities.
• Own the development of critical subsystems from cradle to grave.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years’ experience performing mechanical design and analysis.
• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar.
• Prior experience operating CAD software and/or FEA software.
• A solid understanding of hardware manufacturability and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to travel to other Anduril sites, customer sites, or supplier sites as business demand dictates. Anticipated 10-25% travel.
• Ability to obtain and hold a Secret Security Clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exhibits strong initiative and ownership of tasks.
• Experience with NX CAD software and/or Abaqus FEA software.
• Certification in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
• Expertise in engineering tool development in Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, and/or Python.
• Experience with propulsion systems.

US Salary Range

$129,000 - $171,000 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

Healthcare Benefits

• 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.