Senior Materials and Process Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems (Polymeric Ablatives)

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.About the TeamAnduril's Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team is seeking an experienced, hands-on Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer to provide technical leadership across our rapidly expanding solid rocket motor portfolio. This role will serve as a subject matter expert for materials, processes, and specifications supporting the full spectrum of rocket motor systems including propellants, motor cases, thermal protection systems, nozzles, and energetic components.About the RoleThis foundational role will establish the M&P infrastructure that enables RMS to scale from prototype development to high-rate production. You'll lead the development, documentation, and standardization of material specifications, process specifications, acceptance test procedures, and design allowables across multiple concurrent programs—transforming tribal knowledge and informal work instructions into robust, configuration-controlled engineering documentation.The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in aerospace materials with strong documentation skills and the ability to drive standardization across a fast-moving organization. If you thrive in environments where you can build engineering infrastructure from the ground up while also solving challenging technical problems, we want to hear from you.This role is based in Costa Mesa, CA with up to 50% travel to RMS sites in MS, NC, AL, etc.What You'll DoDevelop and maintain Material Specifications for raw materials, components, and assemblies containing polymeric constituents across all RMS systems including propellants, cases (metal and composite), ablatives, insulators, adhesives, coatings, and nozzle materialsCreate Process Specifications for manufacturing operations including propellant processing, ablative component manufacturing, insulation/liner bonding and surface preparation, heat treatment, coating application, and final assembly processesDevelop Standard Acceptance Test Procedures and NDI technique sheets for incoming materials, in-process inspection, and finished hardware (FTIR, Raman, X-ray, CT scan, ultrasonic, radiography)Review and standardize existing work instructions into formal, configuration-controlled specifications with clearly defined process windows and acceptance criteriaServe as subject matter expert for polymeric materials selection, processing, and qualification across solid rocket motor systems including propellants, cases, thermal protection systems (elastomeric, rubber and composite insulation/liners), nozzles, igniters, and other energetic componentsLead materials characterization programs including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, rheology, cure kinetics, and ablation performance evaluation; develop design allowables per industry standards (CMH-17, JANNAF)Provide materials and process expertise to Design and Manufacturing teams; review drawings and manufacturing plans, support design reviews, and troubleshoot production issuesDrive material and process qualifications from development through production readiness; manage supplier technical relationships and qualification activitiesLead failure investigations and root cause analyses for material-related anomalies; participate in MRBs, FRBs, ERBs, and PCBsInterface with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to translate mission requirements into robust material and process solutionsDrive cost reduction and cycle time improvement initiatives to enable high-rate productionMentor junior engineers and prepare technical documentation including specifications, test reports, and presentationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field5+ years of materials and process engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or defense applicationsProven experience developing material specifications and process specifications for production programsStrong technical background in multiple areas such as:High-temperature coatings, adhesives, insulation, liners, and ablativesThermal protection system (TPS) componentsPropellant materials and processingAdhesive bonding and surface preparationExperience with material characterization, testing, and documentationStrong technical writing skills and attention to detailExperience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and leading root cause investigationsAbility to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environmentAbility to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearancePreferred QualificationsDirect experience with solid rocket motor systems including propellants, motor cases, nozzles, thermal protection systems, or energetic componentsHands-on experience with propellant processing, composite fabrication, ablative manufacturing, or metal case productionExperience developing design allowables per CMH-17, JANNAF, or MIL-HDBK-17 standardsExperience with NDI methods and developing inspection proceduresExperience with characterizing thermal protection system (TPS) components via standard test methods such as char, burn, torch, thermal diffusivity, and thermomechanical analysisExperience with processing and manufacturing of TPS components such as elastomeric composite ablatives (EPDM, NBR filled fiber laminates), carbon phenolics, siliconesFamiliarity with MIL-STDs, AIAA standards, and JANNAF best practicesKnowledge of rocket motor design, internal ballistics, and combustion environmentsExperience participating in Engineering Review Boards, Material Review Boards, and Failure Review BoardsExperience transitioning processes from development to production in agile environmentsUS Salary Range$146,000—$194,000 USDThe salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: BenefitsAt Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.Protecting Yourself from Recruitment ScamsAnduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. 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