Staff Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer for its Manufacturing Automation team in Costa Mesa, CA. You will lead the mechanical design of automated manufacturing equipment, from concept through commissioning and handover, collaborating with electrical and robotics engineers to ensure seamless integration across programs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and 12+ years in automation or robotics, with strong NX and AutoCAD skills, plus experience in FEA and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.
• 12+ years of mechanical design experience with focus on automation, machinery, or robotics.
• Strong 3D CAD capability in NX; proficient 2D CAD in AutoCAD.
• Experience with fabrication processes including machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.
• Expert ability to perform mechanical calculations (statics, dynamics, material selection).
• Extensive experience with FEA, motion studies, and system-level simulations to de-risk designs.
• End-to-end equipment development and implementation ownership.
• U.S. Person due to export-controlled information or facilities access.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of automated manufacturing equipment from concept to commissioning and handover.
• Develop system-level designs, simulations, and studies to define equipment requirements.
• Perform simulations for robotic systems and equipment; design fixtures and EOAT for automation.
• Design equipment using mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic power; ensure safety integration.
• Create 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs; select components like actuators, gears, bearings.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and robotics teams for seamless integration.
• Set design standards and mentor engineers across concurrent programs.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

AutoCAD

FEA 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 TEAM

Anduril’s Manufacturing Automation team is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our team. The Manufacturing 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

• Lead the mechanical design of automated manufacturing equipment, from initial concept through commissioning and handover
• Develop system‑level designs, simulations, and engineering studies to de‑risk concepts and fully define overall equipment requirements
• Perform simulations for robotic systems and equipment, including reach studies and system architecture development
• Design, build, and integrate fixtures and assembly tooling for automation applications
• Design, build, and integrate EOAT for industrial robots / cobots
• Design equipment utilizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic power systems
• Design and integrate safety guarding, light curtains, interlocks, and other safety‑related mechanical components
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and BOMs
• Select appropriate mechanical components, including bearings, linear motion systems, actuators, gearboxes, fasteners, etc.
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, strain, and thermal analysis
• Oversee prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical designs
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues during design, commissioning, and production rollout
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, controls engineers, and robotics engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems
• Set mechanical design standards and best practices across the team
• Lead mechanical design across multiple concurrent programs and mentor and develop engineers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar field
• 12+ years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on automation, machinery, or robotics
• Strong 3D CAD capability in NX
• Proficient 2D CAD capability in AutoCAD
• Strong understanding of mechanical components commonly used in automation, such as linear actuators, rotary actuators, servo motors, VFDs, gears, bearings, pneumatics, etc.
• Experience with fabrication processes including machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing
• Expert ability to perform mechanical calculations (statics, dynamics, material selection, etc.)
• Extensive experience performing FEA, motion studies, and system‑level simulations to de‑risk designs
• Track record of owning end‑to‑end equipment development and implementation
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on automation, machinery, or robotics
• Strong ability to perform mechanical calculations (statics, dynamics, material selection, etc.)
• Experience performing FEA
• Strong 2D CAD capability in AutoCAD
• Experience with motion studies, tolerance stack-ups, and design simulation
• Experience designing and fabricating tooling such as mandrels, jigs, and fixtures

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:

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.