Senior Mechanical Engineer: Mechanisms, Space

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous time off

Mental health resources and support

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

A defense technology company in Costa Mesa is seeking a Mechanism Design Engineer with a BS in engineering or hard science and 5+ years of relevant experience. You will create mechanisms for space payloads, lead design reviews, and mentor junior engineers. Candidates must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to obtain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance. Competitive salary range of $146k-$194k plus top-tier benefits is offered, including comprehensive medical plans, generous time off, and professional development assistance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanism design experience with space hardware.
• Experience with high-reliability design and vibration/shock resistance.
• Organized with ability to define scope and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create mechanisms for space payloads.
• Use first principles to simplify designs.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanism design experience

Mechatronics experience

Coding in Python, MATLAB, or C++

Attention to detail

Ability to obtain Top Secret security clearance

Education

BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science

Tools

Microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM)

CAD proficiency

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

• Create mechanisms (optical focus, shutters, filter wheels, etc.) for space payloads ranging from small cameras to large telescopes that survive the launch and space environments
• Review literature and parallel applications to inform architecture and selection
• Run hand calculations to size actuators and components
• Select, procure, and rigorously test (e.g., environmental, accelerated life) actuators and sensors; this includes architecting test plans, overseeing test setup development, characterizing performance, and reporting findings to inform integration
• Own hardware design from concept to launch, intelligently pacing design maturity with a holistic program view
• Use first principles for every decision and continuously simplify designs
• Communicate pros/cons of system architectures with respect to mechanism design and performance
• Lead subsystem design reviews and provide clear status updates on timelines and technical progress
• Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful designs to flight hardware and low‑rate production
• Create excellent technical documentation (presentations, test plans/reports, procedures, drawings, specifications, etc.)
• Mentor junior engineers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science
• Ability to obtain and hold U.S. Top Secret security clearance
• 5+ years of mechanism design experience with space hardware and demonstrated track record of success fielding flight hardware
• Mechatronics experience: review datasheets, select components, interface with actuators and sensors, architect and prototype control loops, and facilitate integration into higher level mechanical/electrical assemblies
• Coding experience in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for analytical models, data acquisition/automation
• Experience using microcontrollers for prototyping such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM, or other
• Experience with high‑reliability design, athermalization, and vibration/shock resistance
• Experience with mechanical alignments, kinematic mounting, and qualification test campaigns
• Excellent attention to detail, highly motivated, self‑starting, and autonomous
• Organized with ability to define scope and requirements for ambiguous problems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands‑on technical project experience (academic, extracurricular, or personal)
• Experience in related industries
• Structural or thermal testing experience
• CAD proficiency and ability to create engineering drawings meeting industry standards
• Hands‑on fabrication and assembly skills with hand tools, mill, lathe, etc.
• Strong fundamentals in optics, heat transfer, statics, solid mechanics, and materials

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

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.