Air-Vehicle Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer
Lead multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization for next-gen combat aircraft and missiles, integrating AI tools and MDAO workflows to accelerate defense system development.
- Compensation
- $166K–$220K / yr
- Location
- Costa Mesa, California, United States
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- 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, Str
- 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.
Nice to have
- 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.
Full description
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.