Thermal Engineer, Hypersonic Air Vehicles

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 TeamThe Thermal Engineering team's work is essential to support our rapid innovation cycle and maintain the performance and reliability of advanced defense technologies. Thermal Engineers own the full development life cycle from conceptual design through ground testing and flight test analysis, ensuring high-performance, resilient systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.About the JobWe are looking for Thermal Engineers to join our Hypersonic Air Vehicles team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will support the thermal design and analysis of unmanned air vehicles operating in demanding high-speed flight environments.This role is ideal for someone early to mid-career with strong heat transfer and fluid dynamics fundamentals who wants to grow into full ownership of thermal design problems on hypersonic vehicle programs.What You'll DoSupport thermal design and analysis of unmanned air vehicles at conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design maturitiesPerform thermal analysis of flight vehicles using CFD, FEA, and engineering methodsSupport material response modeling under combined thermal and mechanical loadsConduct transient thermal analysis for time-varying mission profilesSupport ground test planning, execution, and analysis in specialized thermal test facilitiesUse first principles and MATLAB/Python models to inform design decisionsCollaborate with aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and systems engineers on integrated solutionsPresent thermal analysis results at internal design reviewsPrepare formal documentation (specifications, test procedures, technical reports)Required QualificationsMS or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics with focus on heat transfer and fluid dynamicsIn-depth understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and high-temperature environmentsCoursework, research, or industry experience in thermal analysis for aerospace or high-performance hardware systemsExperience with thermal analysis using CFD (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent) and/or FEA thermal solvers through coursework, research, or industry workProgramming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similarPassion for defending the United States and her alliesAbility to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearancePreferred Qualifications1-5 years of industry experience in aerospace thermal engineering on rocket, aircraft, or missile programsExperience with thermal analysis in high-speed flight regimesExperience with thermal-structural couplingExposure to ground testing with thermal instrumentation and data acquisitionGraduate research in aerothermal analysis, high-temperature materials, or thermal protection systemsExperience with material response modeling in extreme thermal environmentsKnowledge of material degradation and surface phenomena under demanding conditionsCAD experience with SolidWorks or Siemens NXExperience preparing formal documentationUS Salary Range$129,000—$171,000 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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