Propulsion Technician

Anduril; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Santa Ana, CA, is seeking an experienced engine technician to build and test gas turbine systems, collaborating across electrical, mechanical, and software teams. The role supports developmental testing on a fleet of airbreathing engines and requires meticulous safety and process discipline.

Based in Santa Ana with future relocation to Long Beach, the position emphasizes hands-on assembly, test stands, and data collection for engine runs, offering exposure to cutting-edge

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years relevant engine technician experience in gas turbine / aerospace / defense / automotive / motorsport.
• Familiarity with engines, engine controls, and testing of engines or powertrain components.
• Ability to collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
• Must be eligible to obtain / maintain US Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build and teardown Anduril’s fleet of airbreathing turbine applications, supporting developmental testing.
• Ensure the safety of daily operations by maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Work with turbojet and combustion hardware, as well electrical and sensor connections.
• Maintain test stands, work areas, and equipment to support engine test and integration.
• Set up and test developmental engines on test stands, and support gathering data for engine runs.
• Work on the coolest engines in the aviation business.

Skills

Gas turbine experience

Aerospace/defense

Collaboration

Safety compliance

Security clearance eligible

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Machine shop tools

CAD basics

Data acquisition

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.

What You’ll Do

• Build and teardown Anduril’s fleet of airbreathing turbine applications, supporting developmental testing
• Ensure the safety of daily operations by maintaining a high attention to detail
• Work with turbojet and combustion hardware, as well electrical and sensor connections
• Maintain test stands, work areas, and equipment to support engine test and integration
• Set up and test developmental engines on test stands, and support gathering data for engine runs
• Work on the coolest engines in the aviation business.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years relevant engine technician experience in gas turbine / aerospace / defense / automotive / motorsport industry
• Familiarity with engines, engine controls, and/or testing of engines or powertrain components.
• Ability to collaborate well with other electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
• Ability to operate autonomously and safely build combustion engines for test
• Willing to work with highly developmental hardware without established work instructions
• Must be eligible to obtain / maintain US Security Clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License, or similar qualification in manufacturing / hardware assembly
• Experience working in a machine shop - machine safety & knowledge of hand tools
• Strong intuition for the physics of basic propulsion systems, motion control systems, and heat transfer.
• Strong technical aptitude/ ability to problem solve and corroborate ideas to deal with day to day challenges
• Experience designing simple mechanical parts (CAD). Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.).
• Mechatronics experience; sensor selection, setup of data acquisition systems, assemble wire harnesses and debug/troubleshoot systems.
• Experience in the design and implementation of automotive control electronics.

Per Anduril's expansion plans, we anticipate this job will be based out of Long Beach, CA beginning late 2027. Until then, this role will operate out of Santa Ana, CA

US Salary Range

$42.31—$56.25 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.