Staff Optical Engineer Jobs Near Me

ABOUT THE SITE

Anduril, a leader in autonomous systems and weapons manufacturing, is building Arsenal-1, its first hyperscale manufacturing facility, just south of Columbus, Ohio in Pickaway County. Arsenal-1 is redefining the scale and speed that autonomous systems and weapons can be produced for the United States and its allies and partners. This is a monumental and essential step toward rebuilding America's defense industrial base, strengthening America's warfighting capabilities, and enhancing deterrence amid rising international threats.

ABOUT THE TEAM

As a Staff Metrology Engineer at Arsenal-1, you'll set the technical direction for the precise measurement processes crucial for top-quality defense manufacturing. You'll be a key player in advancing Anduril's digital and autonomous production, applying your expertise in 3D scanning, optical metrology, and measurement systems analysis. Your role involves early collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate metrology for real-time verification and quality control. You'll stand up Anduril's dimensional metrology lab at Arsenal-1 - selecting the equipment, defining the calibration and gage management programs, and setting the practices the rest of the manufacturing network will follow. This role is technical first: you'll be the hands-on measurement authority for the site while building a small Metrology team around you. As the lab grows, the role is expected to develop into a formal people-management position, with the Arsenal-1 Metrology Technicians and Specialists reporting to you. The ideal candidate pairs deep precision-measurement expertise with the ability to hire, grow, and mentor a technical team. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

• Stand up the dimensional metrology lab at Arsenal-1, from equipment selection and capital justification through layout, environmental controls, fixturing, and the calibration and gage management programs that keep it audit-ready.
• Serve as the hands-on technical authority on dimensional measurement for the site - write and validate inspection programs, perform FAI and measurement system analysis (MSA / Gage R&R), and own the GD&T standards that meet aerospace and defense requirements.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate metrology early in development for better risk management and process verification.
• Own the multi-year metrology roadmap that supports Anduril's production and manufacturing goals, and set the practices the broader manufacturing network will follow.
• Build and lead the Arsenal-1 Metrology team (Technicians and Specialists) - shape the headcount plan, interview and onboard team members, and grow the role into a formal people-management position as the team scales.
• Own the training, certification, and leveling path for the Metrology Technician and Specialist team, letting the team scale reliably with production.
• Lead design and manufacturing of inspection gages that support production inline inspection and receiving inspections - a mix of Go/No-Go gages and automated inspection systems (vision, scans, etc.).
• Create a comprehensive metrology plan using 3D scanning, CMM, data visualization, and digital-twin technologies to improve quality and precision.
• Lead efforts to analyze product quality using data, focusing on measurement accuracy and consistency in manufacturing.
• Mentor engineers and technicians, coach supplier quality engineers on metrology practices, and guide product quality engineers through RCCA, MRB, and incident management on metrology-related quality issues. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, which requires regular interaction with production and manufacturing stakeholders and frequently working directly on the production floor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Engineering degree and 10+ years of metrology, manufacturing, or quality engineering experience.
• Deep, hands-on precision-measurement expertise - CMM programming, FAI, and measurement system analysis (MSA / Gage R&R).
• Experience standing up or significantly expanding a dimensional metrology or inspection lab - equipment selection, capital planning, environmental requirements, and calibration program setup.
• Experience building, leading, or mentoring metrology or manufacturing teams, including hiring, training, and developing technicians.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace measurement techniques and quality management, including GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with CMM and metrology software; PolyWorks preferred.
• Experience with large-volume metrology equipment such as laser trackers, laser radar, and 3D scanners, from manufacturers such as Hexagon, Zeiss, Keyence, and LK Metrology.
• Expert in mechanical manufacturing standards and practices, including machining, fabrication, and assembly tolerancing.
• Proficient in statistical analysis of measurement data and in reporting findings to engineering and program stakeholders.
• Familiar with product development processes and AS9100 quality management systems.
• Understanding of budgeting and headcount forecasting.
• Detail-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication across engineering, manufacturing, and program teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. 
• U.S. citizenship is required pursuant to contractual obligations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Experience with PolyWorks|DataLoop or similar metrology data management platforms, especially across multiple sites.
• Familiarity with calibration system requirements such as ISO/IEC 17025.
• Familiarity with Teamcenter, NX, Jira, and manufacturing execution systems.