Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

As a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer at Anduril Industries, you'll be responsible for the complete hardware life cycle from initial concept through to real-world application. Specifically, you will work on developing cutting-edge infrared sensors for various intelligence surveillance reconnaissance applications, manage system integration into ISR platforms like ships and aircraft, build prototypes, analyze failures, and support hardware demonstrations with customers. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our imaging systems tackle significant security challenges.

To qualify for the Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer position at Anduril Industries, candidates should possess experience in interdisciplinary technical projects and be skilled in CAD design, with the ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings. A solid understanding of thermal and structural analysis, fabrication skills, and the capacity to integrate electronic components into mechanical designs are essential. Additionally, candidates must currently hold and be able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

In your role as a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer at Anduril, you will engage in projects aimed at developing state-of-the-art imaging systems that leverage advanced technologies including computer vision and sensor fusion. You'll play a critical role in designing and prototyping infrared sensors that support intelligence missions, ensuring they can meet the rigorous demands of U.S. and allied military applications.

Preferred qualifications for the Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer position at Anduril Industries include a background with complex optical system design, extensive experience in analysis and implementation of optical systems, and a deep understanding of rigorous analysis methods such as thermal-elastic and modal analysis. Candidates should also possess a demonstrated ability to manage detailed project analyses and contribute to innovative optical solutions.

Anduril Industries emphasizes the professional growth of its team members, including Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineers, with a dedicated professional development stipend available to all employees. This commitment helps cover costs associated with further education and training, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of technological advancements and expertise in your field.

Discuss specific CAD software you have used and describe projects where you've created engineering drawings. Highlight the complexity of the designs and how your attention to detail helped ensure industry standards were met.

Share methods you implement when integrating systems, such as collaboration with electronic component teams and rigorous testing protocols. Illustrate your approach with examples of past integrations that were particularly successful or challenging.

Provide a detailed account of the project, focusing on the obstacles faced, your leadership strategies, and the results achieved. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and how you guided your team through technical difficulties.

Explain how you break down complex problems using first principles. Use examples to illustrate your thought process and how it influenced your design choices to optimize performance and functionality.

Discuss your process for analyzing failures to learn from them. Highlight specific techniques you apply, such as conducting root cause analyses, adjusting design parameters, or collaborating with peers for solutions.

Share your experiences working with teams from various disciplines. Stress the importance of clear communication and how you ensure all team members' insights are valued in the design and implementation process.

Describe the methodologies you've used for testing and validating optical systems, including specific tests conducted and how they informed your design adjustments. Show your thorough understanding of relevant metrics for success.

Outline the fabrication techniques you're familiar with, such as machining and 3D printing, and provide examples of how you've utilized these methods effectively in previous projects to achieve desired outcomes.

Discuss your prioritization framework, emphasizing the balance between time constraints, resource availability, and project objectives. Provide examples of how this approach has led to successful project outcomes.

Express your motivation for working in defense technology and share personal values that align. Reflect on why Anduril's mission resonates with you, particularly regarding its innovative approaches to national security challenges.