ABOUT THE TEAM

The Model Shop is a new in-house capability that partners with Design Engineering and business stakeholders to turn digital concepts into full-scale presentation-quality physical models. These models help teams communicate design intent evaluate physical form and showcase Anduril products to customers and other stakeholders. By bringing this capability in house the team will improve speed iteration craftsmanship and control while reducing significant reliance on external vendors.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a hands-on Prototype Model Making Lead to help establish and operate Andurils Model Shop. You will plan and execute hard-model builds from concept through final presentation combining metal fabrication manual machining composites woodworking bodywork surfacing and paint. This is not a narrow welding machining or production-supervision role. It requires broad fabrication fluency exceptional finish judgment and the ability to choose the right materials and processes for each build.

As the first technical lead in this capability you will also help define shop standards mentor future model makers coordinate priorities and build trusted partnerships with designers and engineers. The strongest candidate is an expert model maker who remains deeply hands-on and can deliver high-quality work in an ambiguous fast-moving development environment.

WHAT YOULL DO

• Own physical hard-model builds from initial request and design data through fabrication assembly surfacing paint inspection and final presentation.
• Translate CAD drawings renderings and incomplete design direction into practical build plans material choices fabrication sequences estimates and inspection points.
• Create frames and internal structures using steel and aluminum; cut fit form machine join and finish components across multiple materials.
• Apply broad working proficiency in welding manual machining sheet-metal fabrication composites plastics wood fillers coatings and paint to produce convincing durable models.
• Partner with Design and Engineering to clarify intent surface manufacturability risks propose alternatives and preserve the visual and dimensional goals of each model.
• Establish craftsmanship safety organization documentation and quality standards for a new model-making capability.
• Coordinate concurrent requests communicate capacity and schedule tradeoffs and protect finish quality under changing priorities.
• Mentor model makers and adjacent fabricators through demonstrations feedback and repeatable work practices.
• Support shop equipment material vendor and inventory decisions needed to deliver builds reliably.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 810 years of extensive hands-on experience building physical hard models appearance models show models concept models or comparable high-finish prototypes from start to finish with a proven track record of delivering high-quality outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate several fabrication disciplinessuch as metal fabrication welding manual machining composites woodworking plastics surfacing bodywork and paintwithin a single build.
• Strong craftsmanship and exceptional finish judgment supported by a portfolio or specific examples of work delivered to demanding visual and dimensional standards.
• Proficient in interpreting CAD models drawings and renderings with the ability to translate design intent into safe practical build approaches.
• 5 years of experience selecting appropriate materials and fabrication processes sequencing work troubleshooting defects and inspecting finished work for quality.
• 3 years of experience leading complex builds setting technical direction mentoring team members and coordinating work in a prototype/model shop environment.
• 3 years of directly mentoring teams managing priorities coordinating workflows and ensuring adherence to defense manufacturing standards and deadlines in a high-performance fabrication environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to strict safety standards and the responsible use of advanced fabrication equipment.
• Ability to work onsite full-time in Costa Mesa California.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in automotive or transportation design studios aerospace/defense motorsports industrial design entertainment fabrication or another high-end model/prototype environment.
• Experience helping launch scale or improve a model shop or prototype fabrication capability.
• Working knowledge of 3D printing Fabrication processes composites tooling paint systems or vendor management.
• Experience planning capacity and priorities across multiple time-sensitive builds.
• Formal lead or supervisory experience in a highly hands-on technical environment.

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 Andurils total compensation package. Additionally Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees including:

Benefits

At Anduril we invest in our people. Our comprehensive competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures youre supported in health recovery and whatever comes next.For more information Explore Our Benefits.

Data Privacy

To view Andurils candidate data privacy policy please visit submitting your application you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk integrity and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists adverse media public-record information and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology intellectual property and organizational security.