← All roles

Prototype Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Anduril· Manufacturing : Manufacturing Engineering : Manufacturing Engineering
Apply on company site
Costa Mesa, CA$129k - $171kFull-timePosted 1w ago

About the role

Prototype Manufacturing Engineer to execute first builds and prototype manufacturing across mechanical, structural, thermal management, and fluid systems for Anduril’s Air Dominance & Strike programs, working from incomplete inputs to deliver MVP work instructions, preliminary BOMs, buildability feedback, and lessons learned for producibility and transition to early production.

Responsibilities

  • Execute first builds of new mechanical, structural, thermal, and fluid system hardware across AD&S programs, working from preliminary or incomplete design inputs (unreleased models, draft drawings, verbal direction from design engineers).
  • Develop MVP work instructions during and after first builds–capturing assembly sequences, tooling needs, critical dimensions, torque values, and process notes for repeatability by technicians.
  • Establish preliminary BOM structures (Make/Buy determinations) based on first-build experience, identifying internal fabrication, procurement, or contract manufacturing needs.
  • Provide structured design feedback to design engineers on buildability, inspectability, and repeatability.
  • Document lessons learned from first builds and feed them to DFx for DFM/DFA reviews and design trade studies.
  • Build and support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) units and integration test articles where build method is undefined.
  • Identify and resolve manufacturing issues in real time on the shop floor during first builds (fit/interference, fastener access, routing, assembly sequence).
  • Develop or source prototype tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids for first builds, balancing speed and rigor for future tooling decisions.
  • Validate process assumptions with SME manufacturing engineers (welding, composites, tube forming, adhesive bonding).
  • Support transition from prototype to early production by ensuring documentation, lessons learned, and BOMs are transferred to the ME team.
  • Collaborate with quality engineering to identify inspection points and acceptance criteria emerging from first-build experience.
  • Travel to production sites, supplier facilities, and integration locations to support first builds and prototype campaigns (~15-20%).

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, prototype/development manufacturing, or NPI with hands-on experience building new hardware.
  • Demonstrated experience executing first builds or first-article production with incomplete or evolving design inputs.
  • Practical knowledge of mechanical manufacturing and assembly processes: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, mechanical fastening, composite fabrication, tube bending/swaging, adhesive bonding, and mechanical integration.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings, interpret GD&T, and work from 3D models; judgment to know when design won't work on the shop floor.
  • Experience writing work instructions, assembly procedures, or process documentation.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to provide direct, specific design feedback with solutions.
  • Comfort working across multiple programs simultaneously and shifting priorities.
  • Self-directed and resourceful with minimal complete inputs.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to access to export controlled information or facilities.

Skills

Required:First builds / first-article manufacturingMechanical drafting and GD&TWork instruction writingFabrication processes
Nice to have:HIL / integration testing familiarityTooling and fixture development

Benefits

  • Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (health, recovery, and other support) available at little to no cost to employees.
Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

defense-aero-and-safetyliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1wing-list-2026wing-list-2026-giga-stage
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Anduril