- Robot type
- Drone · Defense
- Location
- Costa MesaCaliforniaUSA
- Job type
- Hardware
- Posted
- Aug 10, 2026
- Salary
- $129,000–$171,000 a year
Full-time
Configuration Design Engineer
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated Configuration Design Engineer for our Air Dominance & Strike hardware engineering organization. In this role, you will be responsible for the early-stage conceptual layout, sizing, and multi-disciplinary vehicle design of next-generation Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced missile platforms. Operating at the front end of our development cycle, you will bridge the gap between high-level mission requirements and physical execution, turning "clean sheet" concepts into optimized, flight-ready configurations in record time.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S.
Job responsibilities
- Lead and execute the physical layout, sizing, and configuration design of new air vehicles and missile systems from concept to preliminary design.
- Develop parametric CAD models, complex surface models, and high-fidelity Outer Mold Line (OML) and Inner Mold Line (IML) lofts using NX pdf.
- Conduct rapid multi-disciplinary trade studies to evaluate engine selection, propulsion path integration, planform geometry, control effector layouts, structural joints, landing gear, and weapons integration.
- Drive spatial integration across subsystem teams, managing keep-in/keep-out zones for avionics, fuel, and payload systems.
- Support downstream engineering analyses by providing clean surface models optimized for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Electromagnetic (RF/IR signature) evaluations.
- Incorporate survivability principles into early-stage designs, optimizing vehicle shaping, transitions, gaps, and treatments for RF and IR signature reduction.
- Estimate mass properties, center of gravity (CG), and stability margins.
- Partner with Chief Engineers, systems engineers, and customers to translate operational requirements into elegant, affordable, and mission-capable design concepts.
Job requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in conceptual or preliminary design of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or missile systems.
- Strong, hands-on proficiency in 3D parametric CAD modeling and advanced surfacing (Siemens NX preferred , CATIA, or Creo).
- Demonstrated experience executing multi-disciplinary trade studies covering aerodynamics, propulsion integration, structures, and mass properties.
- Proven ability to work in rapid development, prototyping, or "Skunk Works" style engineering environments.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.