Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology.

Anduril's Space Manufacturing team is seeking a Senior 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.

As a Senior 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 span 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 8+ 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. Master's degree or equivalent advanced experience preferred
• 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
• 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

• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Income Protection: Life and disability insurance
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments, adoption, and gestational carriers
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits
• Retirement Savings Plan: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax options