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Actuation Engineer, Air Maneuver Dominance

Anduril· Maritime & Maneuver Dominance : Maneuver Dominance Engineering : MD - ME
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Costa Mesa, CA$129k - $171kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Design, develop, and integrate actuation systems (electromechanical/hydraulic) for a small autonomous air vehicle, collaborating across structures, electrical, software, and controls to meet performance, reliability, and production targets while supporting flight test campaigns.

Responsibilities

  • Own and drive the design and development of actuation systems for control surfaces and other electromechanical/hydraulic subsystems, from initial concept through flight test and low rate production.
  • Define actuation requirements (torque, speed, precision, environmental) in close collaboration with structures, controls, and systems engineering.
  • Select, size, and validate actuators, motors, gearboxes, linkages, and associated hardware to meet performance, weight, and reliability targets.
  • Work in close partnership with electrical and software teams to ensure actuator control, feedback, and health monitoring are fully integrated into the vehicle's flight control system.
  • Spearhead design reviews, conduct structural and dynamic analysis, and develop test plans to verify actuator performance under flight-representative loads and conditions.
  • Support component-level bench testing, subsystem integration, and vehicle-level ground and flight test campaigns.
  • Actively contribute to the enhancement of team tools, templates, processes, and standards for actuation subsystem development.
  • Cultivate a vibrant, positive, dedicated, high-energy, educational, and enjoyable team environment.
  • Balance operational needs across vehicle subsystems while optimizing for development speed, mass, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Travel to test sites and vendors as needed.

Qualifications

  • Experience in an immersive technical project (collegiate project teams or professional settings)
  • A minimum of 3+ years of experience in a professional technical engineering position (non-internship), with a focus on actuation, electromechanical, or servo-controlled systems
  • Proven CAD skills (Any platform, but NX preferred) and the ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings that comply with common industry standards
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in mechanisms, structures, controls, and electromechanical design
  • Experience selecting and sizing actuators, motors, gearboxes, and associated drivetrain components for dynamic, high-reliability applications
  • MATLAB/SIMULINK/SIMSCAPE experience, particularly for actuator or servo system modeling
  • Manufacturing knowledge & experience with machine shops (sheet metal, CNC, etc.)
  • Rapid prototyping background (structures/electronics/software) & 3D printing knowledge
  • Proficient in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering)
  • BS or MS in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent work experience
  • Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills
  • Ability to travel 25% with potential surges above 25%
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Skills

Required:Actuation system designCADSystems integrationModeling & analysisManufacturing & prototyping

Benefits

  • Benefits package (comprehensive, competitive) including health and recovery support
  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees
  • Equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers
  • Explore Our Benefits information (link provided in posting)
Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

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