Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to build and maintain LabVIEW-based data acquisition and test automation software, focusing on hardware abstraction and reusable plugins for COTS instruments.

You will mentor engineers, lead automation projects from requirements to deployment, and collaborate with DevTest teams to improve data quality, traceability, and efficiency while supporting security-clearance processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years developing LabVIEW-based test systems and automation software.
• Proficiency with NI FlexLogger, NI DAQ hardware, and standardized/reusable software architecture.
• Experience integrating COTS instrumentation across serial, Ethernet, Modbus, GPIB, and similar interfaces, and integrating PLC-based control systems.
• Basic electrical knowledge (wiring, instrumentation, signal conditioning) and working knowledge of data acquisition, including sensor selection and channel configuration.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, standardize, and maintain LabVIEW and NI FlexLogger applications for multi-channel data acquisition, closed-loop control, and test automation
• Build and maintain a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and reusable plugins/drivers for COTS instrumentation across serial, Ethernet, Modbus, GPIB, and other interfaces (e.g., power analyzers, e-loads, thermal chamber controllers, PLCs, current sensors), and package tools for team-wide distribution (e.g., NI Package Manager)
• Integrate PLC-based control systems, custom hardware, sensors, and DAQ hardware into working test systems, applying basic electrical knowledge for wiring, signal conditioning, and channel configuration
• Manage automation projects from requirements through design, development, validation, handoff, and support, partnering with DevTest engineers and stakeholders to turn needs into practical solutions
• Develop documentation, work instructions, and training materials; mentor team members on LabVIEW and DAQ best practices, and support test readiness reviews with input on feasibility, risk, and resourcing

Skills

LabVIEW

NI FlexLogger

NI DAQ hardware

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Data acquisition

PLC integration

Electrical wiring

CLD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Revel software

NI Package Manager

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

Enterprise Test Capabilities (ETC) develops, operates, and scales the shared physical test infrastructure, technical expertise, and execution systems required to validate Anduril’s products across the company. The team provides specialized testing that is capital-intensive, technically complex, safety-critical, or broadly reusable across multiple programs, spanning environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock, HALT, TVAC), battery testing (cell/module/pack characterization, abuse testing, BMS validation), propulsion testing (engine test cells, thrust/torque measurement, fuel/feed systems), aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel operations, flow visualization, force/moment measurement), and structural testing. We partner with product test teams from early development through qualification and sustainment to identify technical risk, select appropriate test methods, execute testing safely, and generate trusted engineering evidence. The test operations team within ETC owns the lab facilities, equipment fleet, calibration program, and operational support team that keeps this diverse test enterprise running.

About the job

We are seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to join ETC in Costa Mesa, CA. This is a hands-on role focused on building and maintaining the LabVIEW and NI FlexLogger-based data acquisition, control, and automation software that the DevTest team relies on daily.

You will own the development of a standardized hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and a library of reusable plugins/drivers that integrate our COTS instrumentation into centralized DAQ systems. This work directly improves data quality, traceability, and engineering efficiency, and displaces high-cost external development ($9K-$37K per plugin from outside firms). You will also lead automation initiatives, mentor engineers on LabVIEW best practices, and manage projects from requirements through deployment and support.

What you’ll do

• Develop, standardize, and maintain LabVIEW and NI FlexLogger applications for multi-channel data acquisition, closed-loop control, and test automation
• Build and maintain a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and reusable plugins/drivers for COTS instrumentation across serial, Ethernet, Modbus, GPIB, and other interfaces (e.g., power analyzers, e-loads, thermal chamber controllers, PLCs, current sensors), and package tools for team-wide distribution (e.g., NI Package Manager)
• Integrate PLC-based control systems, custom hardware, sensors, and DAQ hardware into working test systems, applying basic electrical knowledge for wiring, signal conditioning, and channel configuration
• Manage automation projects from requirements through design, development, validation, handoff, and support, partnering with DevTest engineers and stakeholders to turn needs into practical solutions
• Develop documentation, work instructions, and training materials; mentor team members on LabVIEW and DAQ best practices, and support test readiness reviews with input on feasibility, risk, and resourcing

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline, OR equivalent progressive experience in test systems and automation development
• 5+ years developing LabVIEW-based test systems and automation software; Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) or equivalent demonstrated expertise
• Proficiency with NI FlexLogger, NI DAQ hardware, and standardized/reusable software architecture
• Experience integrating COTS instrumentation across serial, Ethernet, Modbus, GPIB, and similar interfaces, and integrating PLC-based control systems
• Basic electrical knowledge (wiring, instrumentation, signal conditioning) and working knowledge of data acquisition, including sensor selection and channel configuration
• Experience with Revel software
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, align cross-functional stakeholders, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-mix environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred qualifications

• Experience building hardware abstraction layers or plugin/driver architectures for DAQ systems
• Familiarity with thermal chamber controllers (CSZ, TE, Espec, Thermotron, AES, Tenney) and PLC integration
• Experience developing test systems in regulated environments (ISO/FDA or defense/aerospace standards)
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for supporting tooling and data processing
• Experience mentoring engineers and developing training material

US Salary Range

$146,000-$194,000 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.