Fastener Engineer

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 Job

We are looking for a Fastener Engineer to join our growing team in Costa, Mesa. This role will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of critical mechanical connections, preventing over-engineering, and significantly reducing long-term costs associated with field repairs and rework. You will drive part standardization and champion best practices, embedding quality and efficiency into every aspect of our product development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, execute, and analyze comprehensive fastener joint testing programs. Test and validate critical bolted joints from initial concept through design, manufacturing, and into production phases. This includes proactive maintenance and calibration of test equipment and laboratory supplies.
• Develop and implement standardized design and testing systems, templates, and reporting structures for fastener applications, ensuring consistency and clarity across all Anduril engineering teams.
• Maintain a meticulously documented and traceable registry of all critical bolted joints for every product, linking test results directly to their specific applications.
• Curate and expand a comprehensive library of fasteners along with joint test results, failure analysis data, and best practices to empower design engineers, enabling them to optimize initial fastener selections and designs for performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for bolted joint performance issues throughout the entire product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to in-field operation and sustainment. Leveraging in-house bolted joint calculators.
• Partner with Supplier Quality teams to rigorously validate potential suppliers and their fastener products through on-site audits and in-house testing.
• Develop clear technical requirements and comprehensive documentation for the successful implementation and rollout of torque control tools and processes for mass manufacturing operations.
• Support the Supply Chain team in strategic fastener consolidation initiatives by rigorously proving out the viability and reliability of proposed consolidations through testing and analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Structures team to develop and refine advanced in-house analytical tools and calculators for predicting bolted joint behavior (e.g., preload, fatigue life, stress distribution).
• Proactively research, identify, and implement new and emerging fastener technologies, materials, and advanced test equipment to enhance Anduril's engineering capabilities.
• Provide initial assessment and categorization of fastener-related issues arising from manufacturing processes, field applications, and prototype development.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting focused on fastener testing, bolted joint analysis, or mechanical reliability engineering.
• Proven experience in technical writing, documentation, and the creation of clear, concise engineering reports and specifications.
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental bolted joint theory, including principles of preload, torque-tension relationships, fatigue, vibration loosening, and common failure modes.

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• Experience with common fastener types, materials, coatings, and their applications in demanding environments.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information and findings to cross-functional teams, including design engineers, manufacturing personnel, and management.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment (e.g., MC950, DC Style torque wrenches, Instron).
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a commitment to quality and reliability.
• Preferred coding knowledge or experience
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with relevant CAE tools for bolted joint analysis (e.g., basic FEA for joint simulation, advanced calculators).
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or automotive industry standards related to fasteners and bolted joints.
• Familiarity with CAD software for reviewing of parts and creation of fasteners.
• PLM/Systems workflows and backend knowledge
• Knowledge of advanced materials and their behavior in bolted joint applications.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience utilizing Python to develop scripts within NX Open API
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance.
  
  

US Salary Range

$146,000—$194,000 USD

Healthcare Benefits

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:

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.

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• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
  
  

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
  
  

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.
  
  

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

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