Senior Composite Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: Costa Mesa, California, Santa Ana, California

Compensation: $48 - 62 USD / hour

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.

We are seeking a high-ownership Composite CNC Programmer/Operator to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end manufacturing process—from CAM programming and 5-axis setup to operation and final part inspection. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on, R&D-focused position. You program it, set it up, run it, and inspect it. There is no production work here; you will solve complex, unique tooling and prototyping challenges daily, playing a critical role in bringing next-generation defense technologies to life.

• Program, set up, and operate large-format 5-axis CNC gantry routers and mills for trimming, drilling, and surfacing advanced composite components.
• Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers, providing real-time feedback on early-stage prototype models to optimize Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Design and fabricate robust work holding, including custom vacuum fixtures for delicate, near-net-shape parts.
• Machine master models and direct-to-part molds from foam, tooling board, and other pattern materials.
• Troubleshoot unique machining challenges inherent to composites, including delamination, fiber pull-out, and thermal degradation.
• Perform in-process quality control and dimensional verification to deliver high-quality prototype components with superior surface finishes.

• 4+ years of CAM programming experience (e.g., Esprit, hyperMILL) and 5+ years of hands-on CNC setup and operation.
• Deep understanding of machining complex composite and tooling materials, including carbon fiber (pre-preg and wet-layup), fiberglass, Kevlar, honeycomb, foam cores, and high-density urethane/epoxy tooling boards (e.g., RenShape).
• Strong command of G and M code, high-speed 5-axis machining, GD&T, and experience with large-gantry 5-axis machines (CMS) and Fanuc controls.
• Expertise in cutting-tool selection for abrasive materials (e.g., PCD, diamond-coated routers, compression drills) and custom work holding.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing R&D environment with a strong bias for action and minimal supervision.
• Passion for national security, defense technology, and solving critical hardware challenges.
• Must be a U.S. Person as this position requires access to export-controlled data.

• Advanced 5-axis simultaneous programming for complex surface contouring and trimming.
• Experience with Siemens NX CAD and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with probing cycles and on-machine verification (e.g., Renishaw).
• Experience with metallic machining and hybrid fabrication workflows.

US Hourly Range $47.60 - $62.50 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.