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Senior Mechanical Engineer: Mechanisms, Space

Anduril· Hardware Platform : Core Technology Products
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Costa Mesa, CA$146k - $194kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on mechanisms for space payloads, including design, testing, and integration of space-grade mechanisms (optical focus, shutters, filter wheels) and end-to-end hardware development from concept to flight hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Create mechanisms (optical focus, shutters, filter wheels, etc.) for space payloads that survive launch and space environments
  • Review literature and parallel applications to inform architecture and selection
  • Run hand calculations to size actuators and components
  • Select, procure, and rigorously test actuators and sensors; architect test plans, oversee test setup, characterize performance, report findings to inform integration
  • Own hardware design from concept to launch with holistic program view
  • Use first principles for decision making and simplify designs
  • Communicate pros/cons of system architectures with respect to mechanism design and performance
  • Lead subsystem design reviews and provide status updates on timelines and progress
  • Build prototypes, analyze failures, transition designs to flight hardware and low-rate production
  • Create technical documentation (presentations, test plans/reports, procedures, drawings, specifications)
  • Mentor junior engineers

Qualifications

  • BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science
  • Ability to obtain and hold U.S. Top Secret security clearance
  • 5+ years of mechanism design experience with space hardware and flight hardware success
  • Mechatronics experience: review datasheets, select components, interface with actuators/sensors, prototype control loops, integrate into assemblies
  • Coding experience in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for analytical models, data acquisition/automation
  • Experience with microcontrollers for prototyping (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM)
  • Experience with high-reliability design, athermalization, vibration/shock resistance
  • Experience with mechanical alignments, kinematic mounting, and qualification test campaigns
  • Excellent attention to detail, self-motivated, autonomous
  • Organized with ability to define scope/requirements for ambiguous problems

Skills

Required:Mechanism design for space hardwareActuator sizing and hand calculationsSystems engineering and trade studiesHardware prototyping and testingProgramming for analysisHigh-reliability design and athermalizationMechanical alignment and qualification testingDocumentation and communicationLeadership and mentorship
Nice to have:Microcontroller prototyping

Benefits

  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees (health, recovery, and related support)
  • Competitive equity grants as part of total compensation package
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

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