Freelance Structural Analysis Engineer Jobs in California

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.

The Structural Analysis ensures product integrity and performance across the company. We provide cross-product support for emerging innovations, establish the benchmark for analysis excellence, and offer critical surge support to programs requiring specialized expertise. Our team drives the adoption of unified tools and methodologies, leveraging deep expertise in static and dynamic analysis, physical testing, data collection, and signal processing to solve complex engineering challenges.

We are looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer to work in Costa Mesa, CA, with In-depth understanding of statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and materials properties.

• Perform static and dynamic structural analyses across sea, ground, air, and space domains using first principles and appropriate analysis methods (hand calculations, spreadsheets, scripts, detailed FEA)
• Develop and own FEM creation and organization at the global and subsystem level
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to drive proper designs based on analytical results
• Conduct and support validation testing, including instrumentation setup, data collection, and model correlation
• Document analysis methodology and results in technical reports for internal teams and external stakeholders
• Ensure designs meet customer requirements, industry standards, and safety regulations
• Stay current with advancements in analysis techniques, materials technology, and industry standards

• BS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures
• Deep understanding of statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and materials properties
• Proficiency in FEA software (NASTRAN/ Abaqus preferred) solution sequences for linear and non-linear static, dynamic and buckling analyses
• Experience with CAD tools (NX, Solidworks)
• Proficiency in Matlab or Python (or equivalent) for developing analytical models, data acquisition, and automation
• Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision
• Very organized and willing to establish scope and requirements for ill- defined problems

• 8+ years of experience in a structures, dynamics, or loads related role with high ownership and accountability for hardware outcomes
• MS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures
• Be able to obtain / maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
• Ability to develop workflow automation tools

US Salary Range: $146,000 — $194,000 USD

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:

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.

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