Principal Loads & Dynamics Engineer

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril is seeking a Principal Loads and Dynamics Engineer to join the Omen team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril’s hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems.
You will work on new aircraft development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role, you will be responsible for the structural loads, dynamics, and aeroelasticity analysis of the Omen air vehicle. You will apply your knowledge and experience to ensure the structural integrity and dynamic stability of the airframe from concept through production, tackling the unique challenges posed by a tail-sitter platform operating across VTOL, transition, and forward flight modes.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop structural loads analysis for air vehicles and systems to ensure structural integrity under various flight and ground conditions
• Generate and maintain integrated dynamics FEMs for use in loads derivation, aeroelastic flutter and other analyses
• Conduct aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic studies to predict and verify aircraft behavior
• Conduct flutter analysis to inform vehicle design and ensure flight safety
• Generate flight loads data in accordance with MIL and FAR specifications, such as FAR 23, 25, JSSG-2006, and other relevant standards
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop structural optimization strategies based on loads analysis results
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to internal teams, management, and external customers
• Develop and perform dynamics testing, including vibration testing, modal testing, GVT, etc.
• Define instrumentation and perform data processing for flight loads data acquisition

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High-ownership and a bias toward action – if you see a problem, you want to fix it
• BS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures
• Deep understanding of statics, dynamics, solid mechanics, materials science, finite element analysis and dynamic testing
• 15+ years of experience in a structures, loads or dynamics related role with high ownership and accountability for hardware outcomes
• Proficiency in the use of FEMAP/Nastran or similar
• 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
• Passion for defending the United States and her allies
• Viewed as a top tier authority in their domain, with a track record of transformative contributions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A prior focus on aircraft flight loads, aeroelastic or flutter analysis, including transonic flight
• Ability to develop workflow automation tools
• Familiarity developing loads or structural compliance for JSSG-2006, FAR 23, 25, or similar
• Structural or dynamics testing experience (system identification, sine, random, shock, flight) – sensor selection, data acquisition, data post-processing