Senior Materials Engineer, Composites

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

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Materials and Process Engineer in Costa Mesa, CA. This position focuses on advancing composite materials for innovative defense technologies. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in materials science and proven experience in composite processing.

Responsibilities include developing new composite materials, executing test plans, and collaborating with engineering teams. Competitive salary range is $146,000 – $194,000 USD, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in composite materials and process engineering.
• Strong understanding of composite materials processing and characterization techniques.
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new composite materials to meet engineering specifications.
• Research and select composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Design and execute test plans for materials and processes.

Skills

Composite materials processing

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science, composites engineering

Tools

Computer-aided design (CAD) software

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 JOB

Anduril’s Materials Engineering team is seeking a Materials and Process Engineer with a background in structural composites to join our rapidly growing team. Our team plays a pivotal role in advancing the materials that are at the heart of Anduril’s cutting‑edge products, from autonomous aircraft to submarines. We aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible in defense technology, delivering innovative solutions in months, not years. As a Materials and Process Engineer, you will be part of a dynamic team where you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of composite materials for our revolutionary products. The right person for this role has solid understanding of materials science and composite manufacturing and an intrinsic drive to build on that foundation. If you are someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, and is eager to apply theoretical knowledge to real‑world applications, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop and test new composite materials (thermosets and thermoplastics) to meet engineering and performance specifications for structural applications
• Research, evaluate, and select composite materials and manufacturing processes based on mechanical properties, manufacturability, and cost considerations
• Design and execute statistically‑driven test plans, qualification envelopes, and characterization campaigns to substantiate materials and processes
• Develop, implement, and maintain technical specifications, engineering standards, and allowables for composite materials
• Support redesign initiatives focused on cost reduction and high‑rate composite manufacturing scalability
• Lead failure analyses and root‑cause corrective action investigations for material‑related issues
• Document experimental procedures and results; present findings to technical teams, stakeholders, and leadership
• Collaborate with materials engineering staff to identify, define, and fill technology gaps in materials capabilities
• Coordinate with laboratory staff on materials and process characterization activities
• Support design engineering with materials selection, allowables development, and structural analysis
• Partner with manufacturing engineering to improve processes, troubleshoot production issues, and facilitate operations
• Work with quality assurance to drive specification compliance and support process audits
• Support supplier development, qualification, and performance monitoring
• Communicate technical risks to leadership and collaborate to overcome program roadblocks

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in materials science, composites engineering, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of composite materials processing and characterization techniques.
• 5‑7 years of composite materials and process engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to apply engineering principles to practical applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting structural analysis and statistical data reduction.
• Familiarity with computer‑aided design (CAD) software and materials simulation tools.
• Hands‑on experience with nondestructive testing, mechanical testing, and failure analysis techniques.
• Prior experience with qualification and process substantiation of new composite products.
• Demonstrated ownership of a comprehensive material characterization effort.
• Working knowledge of composites manufacturing methods, design, and process substantiation.

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.