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Design Engineer, DFM / DFA

Anduril · Costa Mesa, CA1mo agoverified 20 h ago
$129k – $171kfrom the posting

BS-level Product Development roles on Crosslinked list a median of $118k (200 that show pay).

Design manufacturable hardware assemblies, applying DFM/DFA across injection molding, composites, and bonding

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own hardware from concept to high-rate production across autonomous air, land, and maritime systems at a fast-scaling defense tech company.

Might not be for you. Heavy DFM/DFA documentation and production-floor collaboration; not a bench R&D or polymer science role.

Deep specialistFast-paced BS acceptableSenior hires only

Adjacent materials roleDesigning for injection-molded plastics and tooling; advanced composite manufacturing (layup, molding); structural bonding, encapsulation, adhesive joining

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
3+ yrs
Industry
Defense
Role
Product Development
Clearance
Ability to obtain
Benefits
equity grants

Role details

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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on DFM/DFA, you will sit at the critical intersection of product design and production reality. You will be directly responsible for designing robust, mission-ready, and highly manufacturable hardware across Anduril's portfolio of autonomous air, land, and maritime systems. You will own components and assemblies from concept through prototype fabrication and high-rate production, ensuring our hardware can be rapidly built, scaled, and deployed at the speed of mission need.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design for Scale: Apply rigorous DFM and DFA principles across all phases of product development to maximize production throughput, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
  • Multi-Discipline Mechanical Design: Design parts and complex assemblies leveraging a wide range of manufacturing processes:
  • Welded structures (MIG, TIG, FCAW, and automated processes)
  • Precision 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining
  • Injection-molded plastics and tooling considerations
  • Advanced composite manufacturing (layup, molding, and secondary operations)
  • Structural bonding, encapsulation, and adhesive joining
  • Drawing Definition & GD&T: Author, check, and release fully defined engineering drawing packages in strict accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
  • Production Enablement: Develop detailed, visual work instructions, process sheets, and assembly documentation that enable seamless execution on the production floor.
  • Engineering Analysis: Perform comprehensive 1D/3D tolerance stack-up analyses, design reviews, and DFMEAs to de-risk manufacturing and assembly bottlenecks early.
  • Floor Collaboration: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with Manufacturing, Tooling, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to troubleshoot issues, implement rapid design iterations, and streamline production.
  • Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Mentor junior hardware engineers in drawing standards, GD&T application, and practical manufacturing best practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience with a deep, proven focus on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
  • High proficiency with modern 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and associated PDM/PLM systems.
  • Expert-level understanding and practical application of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) for engineering drawings and tolerance stack-ups.
  • Deep domain experience designing for at least three of the following:
  • Complex weldments and welded joint architecture
  • Precision machining and sheet metal
  • Tooling and part design for injection molding
  • Composite structures and manufacturing techniques
  • Structural bonding and adhesive joining
  • Experience creating clear, step-by-step manufacturing documentation, process specifications, and assembly instructions.
  • Must be eligible to obtain / maintain US Security Clearance.

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. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At 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 Scams

Anduril 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. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.

To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:

  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
  • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will *only* come from an @anduril.com address.
  • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.

By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role at Anduril?

The listed annual base salary range is $129K–$171K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role at Anduril based?

This role is based in Costa Mesa, CA.

What degree is required for the Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role at Anduril?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role require?

The posting calls for at least 3 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role work with?

injection-molded plastics, composite structures, adhesives.

What techniques or methods are required for this Design Engineer, DFM / DFA role?

GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, DFMEA.