Materials Engineer, Metals

Anduril Industries is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals to join their team in Costa Mesa, CA.

The Materials & Process Engineering Team is looking for a metallurgical expert specializing in castings and welding to support the scaling of production of advanced defense systems. The successful candidate will own the complete lifecycle of cast and welded components, from material selection through qualification, production, and field performance.

Responsibilities

• Own casting and welding processes from concept through production across aluminum, steel, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.
• Establish internal specifications, test protocols, and acceptance criteria for castings and welds tailored to mission requirements.
• Lead supplier qualification of foundries and welding shops, transforming vendors into strategic partners through technical assessment and development.
• Design and execute characterization programs using metallography, SEM/EDS, mechanical testing, NDT, and failure analysis.
• Partner with design teams during early development to influence geometry, joint design, and specifications before drawings are released.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop tools, templates, databases, and training materials that build organizational capability.
• Mentor junior engineers in metallurgical fundamentals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2-5 years of hands-on industry experience with castings and/or welding in aerospace, defense, marine, or similarly demanding applications.
• Demonstrated ownership of cast or welded structures through complete product lifecycle.
• Deep metallurgical knowledge of solidification phenomena, weld metallurgy, HAZ behavior, residual stresses, and failure mechanisms.
• Practical expertise developing weld procedures and qualification testing per relevant standards.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and guiding design engineers.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record with structural castings or welds in marine or aerospace applications.
• Direct experience with advanced processes.
• Hands-on capability in welding or casting process execution.
• Experience establishing material property databases.
• Familiarity with CAD software or simulation tools.
• Active participation in technical societies or standards committees.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $113,000-$149,000 USD
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Income protection
• Generous time off
• Family planning and parenting support
• Mental health resources
• Professional development
• Commuter benefits
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement savings plan