Structures Engineer, Hypersonic Air Vehicles

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO plans

Professional development reimbursement

Income protection insurance

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking an Aerospace Engineer in Costa Mesa, CA, responsible for designing advanced structural parts for air vehicles. Ideal candidates have a B.S. in related engineering fields and at least 5 years of experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $129,000—$193,000, comprehensive healthcare plans, and generous PTO. Additional benefits include professional development, commuter support, and relocation assistance. This role combines engineering expertise with innovative technologies for military applications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or related industry.
• Strong knowledge in composite materials, design, analysis, and fabrication.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop new aircraft products using first principle methods and design tools.
• Coordinate with team members for complex engineering problems.
• Perform modeling and finite element analysis.

Skills

Technical knowledge in engineering principles

Load paths understanding

High performance structure design

Time management skills

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

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.

Air Dominance and Strike Aerostructures Engineering Team

Air Dominance and Strike Aerostructures Engineering Team is responsible for designing and analyzing advanced structural parts for Group 5 high‑speed air vehicles and missile platforms. Air Dominance and Strike Structures Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from conceptual to detailed design and analysis of primary and secondary structures ensuring high‑performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

What You’ll Do

• Utilize first principle methods and design tools to develop new aircraft products
• Own development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts and assemblies (metallic and composite) from preliminary design through prototype manufacturing
• Perform complex modeling and finite element analysis at the detailed component level, major assembly level, and aircraft level (analysis simulations to include strength, buckling, damage tolerance, and delamination)
• Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create solutions that are cost effective and easy to manufacture at rate
• Conduct trade studies and perform design and analysis research of complex engineering concepts to determine an optimal solution for weight, performance, manufacturability, cost, and/or schedule
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment to solve complex, open‑ended problems with an emphasis on schedule and cost objectives
• Coordinate work with mechanical systems, systems integration, aerodynamics, manufacturing, project engineering, and other team members
• Onsite engineering support at manufacturing and integration sites

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or related industry
• Strong technical knowledge in core engineering principles, fundamental mechanics of composite materials, design, analysis, testing, and fabrication
• Deep understanding of load paths, design practices, and hand calculations to design robust structurally efficient assemblies
• Proven ability to design high performance structures and execute their fabrication
• Self‑directed, results oriented, and capable of working in a dynamic environment
• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD Secret Clearance or higher

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with clean sheet aircraft configuration
• Experience with high temperature materials
• Experience with thermal gradient structural analysis
• Siemens NX proficiency
• Experience with fast paced prototype design and manufacture of uncrewed aircraft
• Experience with high temperature materials selection
• Prior experience working in high speed programs
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing
• Practical aircraft knowledge (pilots license, A&P, etc.)

US Salary Range

$129,000—$193,000 USD

Healthcare Benefits

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:

• 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.

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.