Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Actuators

Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · 12+ years experience · Full-time · Posted Sep 22, 2026

At a glance

Anduril’s Manufacturing team seeks a Staff Manufacturing Engineer for the Core Tech Manufacturing Team to rapidly iterate and build cutting-edge defense hardware.
This role specializes in advanced mechanical actuators and motion control systems for Anduril’s sea and air vehicle platforms.
The position encompasses the full manufacturing value-chain including DFM, specialized tooling, process optimization, vendor management, quality planning, and documentation.

Serve as a primary technical driver for NPI initiatives, transitioning precision mechanical actuators and electromechanical systems from prototype to scalable production.
Act as the principal manufacturing interface with Design Engineering, providing critical and influential feedback for Design For Manufacturability and Assembly.
Architect, design, and oversee implementation of novel tooling, jigs, and fixturing for precision actuator assembly, alignment, and testing.
Establish and continuously optimize robust, repeatable process flows for complex actuator assemblies, encompassing bearing installation, gear train assembly, sensor integration, and sealing.
Strategically define, implement, and optimize Manufacturing Bill of Materials and Routings within MES and ERP systems.
Drive the development and standardization of comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including detailed work instructions, quality control plans, inspection requirements, and environmental test procedures.
Design, validate, and strategically implement robust test methodologies and equipment for critical actuator performance characteristics and environmental qualification.
Provide deep hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians during prototype builds, troubleshooting, and production validation.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
12+ years of progressive manufacturing or design engineering experience, specifically with precision mechanical components, electromechanical hardware, or motion control systems.
Proven track record of driving significant technical initiatives, providing expert guidance, and mentoring engineers.
Demonstrated expertise in delivering complex electromechanical hardware in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
Deep expertise in establishing and optimizing manufacturing environments, including MBOM creation, MES integration, and Root Cause Corrective Action for actuator production.
Proficient with Siemens NX for CAD and Teamcenter for PLM software.
Hands-on experience physically manufacturing hardware.
Strong interest in manufacturing high-performance defense hardware and a commitment to continuous technical mastery.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

Hands-on experience with control systems, servo motors, or high-performance electromechanical components in aerospace, marine, or robotics.
Experience with harsh environment manufacturing considerations.
Familiarity with aerospace or marine environmental testing and qualification standards.
Software scripting for automation, data analysis, or testbed control.
Experience with advanced manufacturing processes like precision grinding, gear cutting, or specialized surface treatments for critical components.