Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems

Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems 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. The Space Manufacturing team is responsible for assembly, integration, and test of ground support equipment, PCBA, unit-level, and integrated systems that are vital for our aerospace and defense operations. Your expertise will help ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability at Anduril.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer on our Space team, you will be a technical leader responsible for owning the manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware. Your responsibilities span the entire manufacturing value‑chain, including Design for Manufacturability, advanced manufacturing process development, tooling design & selection, supplier technical management, quality system implementation, and comprehensive work documentation. You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and drive manufacturing excellence across PCBA, box‑level electronics, electro‑optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for PCBAs, box‑level assemblies, electro‑optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with space‑grade standards (IPC‑610/620 Class 3, NASA‑STD‑8739 series). Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives from concept through production, partnering with design engineers to optimize producibility, yield, and cost while providing hands‑on technical leadership to manufacturing technicians. Own quality assurance for assigned manufacturing processes, lead root‑cause analyses (RCA) and corrective actions for non‑conformances, and proactively mitigate risks through PFMEA, process validation, and quality planning. Specify, qualify, and deploy advanced assembly tools, fixtures, test equipment, and automation solutions, including custom tooling design using CAD/3D modeling capabilities. Implement and optimize Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP workflows, and digital manufacturing tools to enhance traceability, efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. Establish and manage technical relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers, conducting assessments, audits, and qualification activities while driving quality improvements and manufacturability enhancements. Lead or participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR), manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR), and production readiness reviews (PRR) for flight hardware programs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines (systems, electrical, mechanical, optical, test, quality) and communicate effectively with program management, supply chain, and executive leadership on manufacturing status, risks, and mitigation strategies. Analyze production data and lead scaling efforts from low‑rate to high‑rate production, implementing continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize throughput, reduce cycle times, and enhance product reliability while reducing costs. Define manufacturing strategy for spacecraft product lines, mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, and represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross‑functional leadership forums and strategic planning sessions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, space systems, aviation, defense, or other high‑reliability industries, with a proven track record leading complex manufacturing programs from development through production. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline required. Master’s degree or equivalent advanced experience preferred. Deep knowledge of aerospace and high‑reliability electronics standards, including IPC‑610/620 Class 3, IPC J‑STD‑001 Space Addendum, and NASA‑STD‑8739 series (soldering, wire harness, conformal coating). Expert‑level understanding of PCBA manufacturing processes (SMT, through‑hole, conformal coating, potting, component selection/screening) and strong technical knowledge of box‑level assembly (cabling, harnessing, mechanical integration, thermal management, EMI/EMC). Hands‑on experience implementing and optimizing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Odoo, Aligni), digital work instructions, and manufacturing process controls (SPC, Lean, Six Sigma). Demonstrated expertise in root‑cause analysis (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone, PFMEA), driving corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and developing/executing process validation, first‑article inspection (FAI), and manufacturing qualification plans. Ability to influence design for manufacturability and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems design teams, with experience designing or specifying custom tooling, fixtures, and test equipment for complex assemblies. Strong technical communication skills with ability to present to cross‑functional teams and executive leadership, and proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations. Proven success in fast‑paced, startup, or rapid development environments while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and quality, with a hands‑on mindset and willingness to work directly on the manufacturing floor alongside technicians. Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Direct experience manufacturing satellites, spacecraft, or space‑based instruments (flight hardware), including spacecraft environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, acoustics) and launch site integration support. Familiarity with space‑grade materials, processes, and workmanship standards such as NASA‑STD‑8739 series, ECSS standards, and IPC Space Addendum requirements. Harness and cable assembly design capability, including schematic reading/drawing using tools like Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar design software. Experience with electro‑optical or infrared sensor assembly, including optical alignment, cleaning protocols, contamination control, and cleanroom manufacturing practices. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies including selective soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), X‑ray inspection, conformal coating systems, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling or flight hardware. Proven track record scaling production from prototype/LRIP to high‑rate production (tens to hundreds of units), with experience implementing automation or semi‑automation solutions for electronics assembly. Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt) with demonstrated project results and continuous improvement achievements. Experience managing technical relationships with PCBA suppliers, cable/harness vendors, and contract manufacturers, including supplier audits, qualification activities, and AS9100. Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling software (NX Design, SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360) and scripting tools (Python, MATLAB) for tooling design, DFM reviews, and data analysis. Experience leading multi‑disciplinary manufacturing programs with P&L or budget authority and recognized subject‑matter expertise in spacecraft manufacturing or high‑reliability electronics. Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance is a significant plus. US Salary Range

$146,000 - $194,000 USD

The 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. Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including: Health insurance with comprehensive coverage options. Retirement savings plan with company match. Paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements. Professional development and training opportunities. Access to cutting‑edge technology and a collaborative, mission‑driven culture. Equal Employment Opportunity As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. We do not discriminate on any protected basis under the laws or executive orders that apply to us. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential and will not be shared with hiring managers. Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury #J-18808-Ljbffr Anduril-1