Senior Materials Engineer - Composites

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Support for health and recovery

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, California is looking for a Materials and Process Engineer to advance composite materials in defense technology. The role involves developing innovative composite materials, conducting tests, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience, alongside strong problem-solving skills. The position offers a salary range of $146,000 — $194,000 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new composite materials for structural applications.
• Conduct statistically-driven test plans and document findings.
• Collaborate with engineering staff to identify technology gaps.
• Support redesign initiatives for cost reduction.

Skills

Composite materials processing

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials science or related field

Tools

CAD software

Materials simulation tools

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.

$146,000 — $194,000 USD

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.