Senior Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum Healthcare Benefits

401(k) retirement savings plan

16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave

Professional development stipend

Daily Meals and Provisions

Job summary

A defense technology company in Costa Mesa is seeking a Staff Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of automation systems in manufacturing. You will architect and debug PLC code while ensuring compliance and safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and significant experience in control systems. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, contributing to next-generation military capabilities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment.
• Expert in PLC programming on multiple platforms such as AB, Siemens, and Beckhoff.
• Strong knowledge of ethernet based communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage control systems for manufacturing.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
• Integrate FactoryOS software into automation equipment.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

PID tuning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

NX

CATIA

AutoCAD

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, 3‑D 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 Core Automation is seeking a Staff Controls Engineer to join our team. The Core Automation team is responsible for the design, integration, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems across Anduril factories. As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to help define what production automation looks like for Anduril at a national scale.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Design, develop, and manage controls systems for manufacturing – this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand‑off to sustainment teams
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high‑volume manufacturing applications
• Generate and enforce internal standards for control systems architectures, regulatory compliance, and safety buyoffs
• Integrate internal and external FactoryOS software into automation equipment and production lines
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation failures, ensuring rapid resolution and long‑term reliability
• Install, configure, and tune servo drives / VFDs
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
• 4+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment
• Expert in PLC programming (Ladder and Structured Text) on multiple platforms such as AB, Siemens, and Beckhoff
• Proficient in servo drive and VFD configuration, PID tuning, STO/SS, etc
• Strong knowledge of ethernet based communication protocols
• Experience integrating with MES and QMS
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment
• Experience with control panel layout, electrical component selection, and cable routing
• Familiar with CAD packages including Solidworks, NX, CATIA, and AutoCAD
• TUV FS Engineer certification (Functional Safety of Machinery)

US Salary Range: $142,000 — $200,000 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:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
  • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.
  • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.
• Basic Life/AD&D and long‑term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work‑life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
• A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
• Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro‑kitchens.
• Company‑funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
• 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

Anduril is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real‑world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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