Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer
Anduril · Costa Mesa, United States · 4mo ago
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
Anduril's Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) Division is rapidly reshaping the future of peer-to-peer conflict. We are building the next generation of affordable, collaborative combat aircraft, missiles, and the autonomous software that powers them. As we scale, we are seeking a visionary Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer to join our fast-growing team. You will be instrumental in driving the rapid development of cutting-edge weapon systems by integrating and optimizing across the entire design lifecycle. This role is for an engineer who challenges traditional silos between conceptual design, preliminary development, and detailed engineering, bringing together diverse discipline experts to form cohesive, multi-fidelity workflows.
We're looking for someone who understands that models are not just for analysis, but are critical tools for informing every stage of product development – from early design decisions to operational sustainment. Your expertise will bridge the gap between engineering analysis, hardware, and software development, ensuring our modeling and tooling choices directly contribute to delivering mission-critical systems to our customers.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong and broad foundation in computational engineering analysis, adept at modeling both steady-state and transient phenomena. You will integrate disciplinary models (e.g., controls, guidance, mission systems, 6DOF simulations, subsystems, manufacturing) earlier into design iterations. Leveraging commercial MDAO frameworks, you will automate engineering workflows, pioneer advanced methods like Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and proficiently apply cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate and optimize MDAO processes. Experience with CAD scripting (e.g., Engineering Sketch Pad) for parameterized geometry, operational analysis codes, and a deep understanding of error and uncertainty in modeling complex systems are highly desirable.
If you are a highly skilled MDAO practitioner ready to leverage your expertise to revolutionize defense capabilities, this role is for you.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Lead MDAO Initiatives: Collaborate with air-vehicle design and analysis disciplines and technical leadership across AD&S programs to define and execute critical trade studies, building robust, data-driven workflows using commercial MDAO frameworks.
- Strategic Development: Work with the AD&S Engineering Tools Lead to shape the strategic roadmap for MDAO capabilities, deploy multi-fidelity workflows across programs, and document available resources.
- Geometry Generation: Design and implement robust, parameterized, watertight, CAD-based scripted geometry models to enable multidisciplinary analysis and ensure consistent results.
- Accelerate Design Insights: Drive the earlier integration of disciplinary models into the design process, providing rich data to inform critical tradespace decisions.
- Pioneer Methodologies: Develop and apply cutting-edge MDAO methods and models to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of AD&S teams.
- Apply AI to MDAO: Innovate and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions within MDAO workflows to enhance efficiency and discovery.
- Optimize Workflows: Identify gaps, bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to continuously improve multi-fidelity workflows.
- Execute Advanced Analyses: Assemble and run automated MDAO workflows, Design of Experiments (DOE), optimizations, sensitivity analyses, and Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) for AD&S programs.
- Mentor & Guide: Direct discipline experts on efficient methods and approaches to create "MDAO-hardened" models and tools suitable for robust multi-fidelity workflows.
- Document & Train: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation and training materials for new and experienced technical experts utilizing MDAO technologies across AD&S.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
- 8+ years of experience in aircraft and/or missile design and analysis.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience developing MDAO methods, demonstrating broad understanding across multiple engineering disciplines, such as: Cost, Configuration Design, Mass Properties, Lethality, Structures, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Vehicle Performance, Thermal Management, Power Management, Systems Engineering, Survivability, Operational Analysis, Mission Systems, Avionics, Launch Systems, and GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Controls).
- Proven experience in developing and deploying MDAO workflows and toolsets.
- Expertise in applying optimization, sensitivity analysis, Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and Design of Experiments (DOE) methods.
- Demonstrable ability to apply large language models and/or develop AI models to enhance or accelerate engineering processes and tasks with measurable efficiency improvements.
- Proficiency in higher-level scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) within a version-controlled environment (preferably Git), with exposure to compiled languages (C, C++, FORTRAN).
- Strong collaborative spirit and a desire to contribute to methods development and process workflows in a team setting.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, particularly in organizing and presenting complex MDAO insights to inform stakeholders quickly and concisely.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
- Experience developing MDAO workflows and toolsets using commercial MDAO framework software (e.g., ModeFRONTIER/VOLTA, Siemens HEEDS, or similar environments).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and SAP eligibility.
Per Anduril's expansion plans, we anticipate this job will be based out of Long Beach, CA beginning late 2027.
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.comaddress. - 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.
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an
-
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.