Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO and holiday leave

Professional development reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer in Costa Mesa, California, to lead the manufacturing strategy and ensure high-quality standards for complex aerospace hardware. The role involves collaboration across engineering teams and ensuring compliance with rigorous manufacturing processes. Candidates should have 12+ years of relevant experience, a degree in engineering, and strong leadership skills. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided, including healthcare and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or defense.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace and electronics manufacturing standards.
• Hands-on experience with production scaling and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and improvement of manufacturing processes.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability initiatives with engineering teams.
• Establish quality assurance and drive root cause analyses.
• Specify and deploy advanced assembly tools and fixtures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on production strategies.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing engineering

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Quality assurance procedures

Manufacturing systems optimization

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

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 ROLE

Anduril’s Space Manufacturing team is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. The Space Manufacturing team is responsible for assembly, integration, and test of ground support equipment, PCBA, unit‑level, and integrated systems that are vital for our aerospace and defense operations. Your expertise will help ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability at Anduril.

As a Staff Manufacturing Engineer on our Space team, you will be a technical leader responsible for owning the manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware. Your responsibilities cover the entire manufacturing value‑chain, including Design for Manufacturability, advanced manufacturing process development, tooling design & selection, supplier technical management, quality system implementation, and comprehensive work documentation. You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and drive manufacturing excellence across PCBA, box‑level electronics, electro‑optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems.

The ideal candidate demonstrates proven leadership in solving complex technical challenges with innovative, practical solutions in fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environments. You have successfully scaled manufacturing processes from prototype through production and have a track record of delivering high‑reliability hardware on aggressive timelines.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for PCBAs, box‑level assemblies, electro‑optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with space‑grade standards (IPC-610/620 Class 3, NASA-STD-8739 series)
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives from concept through production, partnering with design engineers to optimize producibility, yield, and cost while providing hands‑on technical leadership to manufacturing technicians
• Own quality assurance for assigned manufacturing processes, lead root cause analyses (RCA) and corrective actions for non‑conformances, and proactively mitigate risks through PFMEA, process validation, and quality planning
• Specify, qualify, and deploy advanced assembly tools, fixtures, test equipment, and automation solutions, including custom tooling design using CAD/3D modeling capabilities
• Implement and optimize Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP workflows, and digital manufacturing tools to enhance traceability, efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making
• Establish and manage technical relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers, conducting assessments, audits, and qualification activities while driving quality improvements and manufacturability enhancements
• Lead or participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR), manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR), and production readiness reviews (PRR) for flight hardware programs
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines (systems, electrical, mechanical, optical, test, quality) and communicate effectively with program management, supply chain, and executive leadership on manufacturing status, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Analyze production data and lead scaling efforts from low‑rate to high‑rate production, implementing continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize throughput, reduce cycle times, and enhance product reliability while reducing costs
• Define manufacturing strategy for spacecraft product lines, mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, and represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross‑functional leadership forums and strategic planning sessions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 12+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, space systems, aviation, defense, or other high‑reliability industries, with a proven track record leading complex manufacturing programs from development through production
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline required
• Deep knowledge of aerospace and high‑reliability electronics standards, including IPC‑610/620 Class 3, IPC J‑STD‑001 Space Addendum, and NASA‑STD‑8739 series (soldering, wire harness, conformal coating)
• Expert‑level understanding of PCBA manufacturing processes (SMT, through‑hole, conformal coating, potting, component selection/screening) and strong technical knowledge of box‑level assembly (cabling, harnessing, mechanical integration, thermal management, EMI/EMC)
• Hands‑on experience implementing and optimizing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Odoo, Aligni), digital work instructions, and manufacturing process controls (SPC, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone, PFMEA), driving corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and developing/executing process validation, first article inspection (FAI), and manufacturing qualification plans
• Ability to influence design for manufacturability and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems design teams, with experience designing or specifying custom tooling, fixtures, and test equipment for complex assemblies
• Strong technical communication skills with ability to present to cross‑functional teams and executive leadership, and proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers and technicians
• Proven success in fast‑paced, startup, or rapid development environments while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and quality, with a hands‑on mindset and willingness to work directly on the manufacturing floor alongside technicians
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced experience
• Direct experience manufacturing satellites, spacecraft, or space‑based instruments (flight hardware), including spacecraft environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, acoustics) and launch site integration support
• Familiarity with space‑grade materials, processes, and workmanship standards such as NASA‑STD‑8739 series, ECSS standards, and IPC Space Addendum requirements
• Harness and cable assembly design capability, including schematic reading/drawing using tools like Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar design software
• Experience with electro‑optical or infrared sensor assembly, including optical alignment, cleaning protocols, contamination control, and cleanroom manufacturing practices
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies including selective soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), X‑ray inspection, conformal coating systems, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling or flight hardware
• Proven track record scaling production from prototype/LRIP to high‑rate production (tens to hundreds of units), with experience implementing automation or semi‑automation solutions for electronics assembly
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt) with demonstrated project results and continuous improvement achievements
• Experience managing technical relationships with PCBA suppliers, cable/harness vendors, and contract manufacturers, including supplier audits, qualification activities, and AS9100
• Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling software (NX Design, SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360) and scripting tools (Python, MATLAB) for tooling design, DFM reviews, and data analysis
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary manufacturing programs with P&L or budget authority and recognized subject‑matter expertise in spacecraft manufacturing or high‑reliability electronics
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance is a significant plus

US Salary Range: $166,000 – $220,000 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:

Healthcare 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.

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

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