Description
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology.
Anduril's Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) Manufacturing Engineering team is seeking a Prototype Manufacturing Engineer to execute first builds and prototype manufacturing across mechanical, structural, thermal management, and fluid systems subsystems.
As a Prototype ME, you are the first manufacturing engineer on a new build. You will work from incomplete design definitions to figure out how hardware goes together, build the first units, and document what you learn.
Responsibilities
- Execute first builds of new mechanical, structural, thermal, and fluid system hardware across AD&S programs, working from preliminary or incomplete design inputs.
- Develop MVP work instructions during and immediately after first builds.
- Establish preliminary BOM structures based on first-build experience.
- Provide structured design feedback to design engineers based on first-build observations.
- Document lessons learned from every first build and feed them directly to DFx engineers.
- Build and support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) units.
- Identify and resolve manufacturing issues in real time on the shop floor during first builds.
- Develop or source prototype tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids needed for first builds.
- Work with SME manufacturing engineers to validate process assumptions.
- Support the transition of hardware from prototype to early production.
- Collaborate with quality engineering to identify inspection points and acceptance criteria.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, prototype/development manufacturing, or NPI with hands-on involvement in building new hardware.
- Demonstrated experience executing first builds or first-article production of mechanical or electromechanical hardware with incomplete or evolving design inputs.
- Practical knowledge of mechanical manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Ability to read mechanical drawings, interpret GD&T, and work from 3D models.
- Experience writing work instructions, assembly procedures, or process documentation.
- Strong communication skills and a willingness to give direct, specific design feedback to design engineers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace or defense prototype/development manufacturing.
- Exposure to Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) builds.
- Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
- Proficiency in CAD software.
- Experience with composite manufacturing processes.
- Experience with fluid system assembly.
- Familiarity with BOM management, ERP systems, or PLM tools.
Benefits Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including comprehensive health, recovery, and wellness programs.