Actuator Test Engineer · Anduril

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:17:12 GMT
Engineering

Anduril · Costa Mesa, California, United States · $113,000-$155,000 USD · onsite

As an Actuator Test Engineer at Anduril, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing comprehensive validation and qualification test plans for electromechanical rotary, linear, and geared actuators. You will design, develop, and execute environmental test profiles and plans for actuators, including high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, often adhering to MIL-STD-810 standards and developing custom test methods.

You will design robust test fixtures using NX CAD, considering manufacturability via processes like CNC machining, 3D printing, and waterjet cutting, and oversee their fabrication and assembly. You will perform rigorous multi-level testing, ranging from component (electric motor, geartrain) and actuator levels, up to integrated system level testing.

You will analyze complex test data, generate clear and concise test reports, and present findings to cross-functional engineering teams. You will collaborate closely with Design Engineers and cross-functional teams (e.g., manufacturing, quality, software) to validate and refine actuator designs, clearly communicating technical issues and recommendations to diverse audiences.

You will investigate root cause of failures through detailed analysis of performance data and some destructive testing, applying a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting, to drive actuator design improvements. You will create and execute Design Validation Plans (DVPs) and test methods to rigorously validate performance requirements, including preparing for and conducting qualification testing.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. You should have 2+ years of hands-on experience with LabVIEW and other data acquisition (DAQ) systems for test automation and data collection, as well as 2+ years of experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems, with at least 1 year specifically focused on electric motors or electromechanical actuators.

You should be proficient with dynamometer testing and associated instrumentation (e.g., torque transducers, oscilloscopes, etc.), working understanding of servo control principles (torque, speed, and position control), and familiarity with motor controllers and embedded control systems. You should also be familiar with various communication protocols (e.g., CAN FD, RS232, RS485), strong experience with environmental testing methodologies (e.g., high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, shock) and familiarity with MIL-STD-810 standards.

You should be proficient in CAD software, specifically NX, for test fixture design, with an understanding of design for manufacturability for various methods (e.g., CNC, 3D printing). You should also have proven ability to perform root cause analysis and apply a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting.

Nice to have: experience with Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or other scripting languages for data analysis and test automation, familiarity with project and documentation management tools like Jira and Confluence, experience in the aerospace, defense, or robotics industry, and a strong sense of urgency and adaptability in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.