ABOUT THE TEAMEnterprise Test Capabilities (ETC) develops, operates, and scales the shared physical test infrastructure, technical expertise, and execution systems required to validate Anduril's products across the company. The team provides specialized testing that is capital-intensive, technically complex, safety-critical, or broadly reusable across multiple programs, spanning environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock, HALT, TVAC), battery testing (cell/module/pack characterization, abuse testing, BMS validation), propulsion testing (engine test cells, thrust/torque measurement, fuel/feed systems), aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel operations, flow visualization, force/moment measurement), and structural testing. We partner with product test teams from early development through qualification and sustainment to identify technical risk, select appropriate test methods, execute testing safely, and generate trusted engineering evidence. The test operations team within ETC owns the lab facilities, equipment fleet, calibration program, and operational support team that keeps this diverse test enterprise running.
Within ETC is the Internal Capabilities Development (ICD) team, which develops the equipment and test capabilities used by ETC and the broader product teams (Ground Systems, Maritime, Space, Air Dominance & Strike, and Drones). Over the last 3 years, ICD has built large-scale test equipment that has consistently beaten competitive build-vs-buy requests and timelines... i.e. the "tiger team" that enables Test & Evaluation (T&E) to move at a high pace. Our ground-up builds include Walk-In Thermal Chambers, shipping-container-sized static-fire test stands, Salt Fog chambers, Server Electrical & Heat Load Simulators, Modular Test Chambers, Sand & Dust chambers, and other environmental test equipment built to the MIL-STD-810H standard.
ABOUT THE JOBWe are seeking a Senior Development Engineer to join the Internal Capabilities Development (ICD) team within ETC in Costa Mesa, CA. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role for an engineer who can take a test capability from concept to commissioned hardware, spanning mechanical design, electrical integration, controls, and data acquisition. You will design and build large-scale test equipment (thermal chambers, static-fire stands, load systems, environmental chambers, and more), owning the mechanical CAD, structural and hydraulic considerations, electrical enclosure builds, and PLC/LabVIEW control and DAQ integration that make these systems work.
There is no single required background for this role. Our team is built on adaptable, self-directed engineers who close their own knowledge gaps. Candidates may lean mechanical with supporting electrical and hydraulic experience, or lead with electrical and controls backed by mechanical fundamentals. We expect competency across mechanical, electrical, and some kind of structural or hydraulic disciplines, complemented by PLC programming, LabVIEW/NI product experience, and CAD skills. The specific weighting of these disciplines is flexible; the ability to learn quickly and deliver working equipment is the priority. You will partner directly with ETC and the broader product teams to translate capability needs into working equipment that beats vendor cost and timeline.
WHAT YOU'LL DO- Design and build test equipment and capabilities from the ground up, from concept and requirements through fabrication, commissioning, and handoff
- Produce mechanical designs and CAD models of custom test equipment, including structural, thermal, and hydraulic/pneumatic subsystems
- Design and integrate hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including actuators, pumps, servo valves, manifolds, and safety interlocks
- Program and integrate PLC-based control systems for automated sequencing, control, and safety monitoring
- Develop LabVIEW and NI FlexLogger applications for multi-channel data acquisition, closed-loop control, and test automation
- Design and build electrical enclosures, control panels, and wiring in accordance with applicable electrical codes and safety standards
- Design instrumentation and data acquisition approaches, including sensor selection (thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers), channel configuration, sample rates, and measurement uncertainty considerations
- Support structural, pressure-vessel, and dyno builds for the DevTest ground and maritime teams as needed
- Contribute to build-vs-buy assessments and advocate for internal builds where ICD can beat vendor cost and timeline
- Analyze data, troubleshoot integrated systems, and produce engineering documentation and data packages
- Partner with ETC and product teams from concept through delivery as a capability-development subject matter expert
- Develop and maintain equipment documentation, build procedures, work instructions, and training materials
- Support design and test readiness reviews, providing technical input on feasibility, risk, safety, and resource requirements
- Maintain lab and build spaces, promote safety culture, and support proper maintenance of capital equipment
- Travel to test sites and remote labs as needed to support builds, field testing, or capability standup
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline, OR 10+ years of progressive equipment-development experience in lieu of degree
- 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience designing and building test equipment or complex electromechanical systems
- Mechanical design and CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent)
- Experience designing and integrating hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems
- Experience programming PLCs for control and safety of equipment
- Proficiency with LabVIEW and/or NI FlexLogger and NI DAQ hardware
- Experience building electrical enclosures, control panels, and instrumentation wiring
- Working knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition, including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and channel configuration
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-mix environment developing multiple capabilities simultaneously
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Experience developing large-scale custom test equipment such as thermal chambers, static-fire stands, or environmental chambers
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810H environmental test methods and equipment requirements
- Experience with pressure-vessel design or testing and associated safety requirements (ASME BPVC, proof/burst)
- Experience with dynamometer builds and torque/thrust measurement systems
- Familiarity with closed-loop servo-hydraulic control (MTS, Instron, or equivalent)
- Experience with SCADA or any kind of HMI development for custom equipment
- Familiarity with strain gauge installation, Wheatstone bridge configurations, and signal conditioning
- Knowledge of measurement uncertainty analysis and GR&R concepts
- Experience with defense or aerospace test programs
US Salary Range
$147,000-$196,000 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. 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.
