layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

LAYIQ - Prototype Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical & Fluid Systems at Anduril

Execute first builds of new mechanical, structural, thermal, and fluid system hardware across AD&S programs, working from preliminary or incomplete design inputs (unreleased models, draft drawings, verbal direction from design engineers).
Develop MVP work instructions during and immediately after first builds – capturing assembly sequences, tooling needs, critical dimensions, torque values, and process notes sufficient for a technician to repeat the build.
Establish preliminary BOM structures (Make/Buy determinations) based on first-build experience, identifying which components should be fabricated internally, procured, or sent to contract manufacturers.
Provide structured design feedback to design engineers based on first-build observations – specifically addressing buildability, checkability (can you inspect it?), and repeatability (can someone else build it the same way?).
Document lessons learned from every first build and feed them directly to DFx engineers for incorporation into formal DFM/DFA reviews and design trade studies.
Build and support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) units – Ironbirds, Copperbirds, and similar integration test articles – where the build method is undefined and must be figured out from scratch.
Identify and resolve manufacturing issues in real time on the shop floor during first builds, including fit/interference problems, fastener access issues, routing conflicts, and assembly sequence challenges.
Develop or source prototype tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids needed for first builds – balancing speed with enough rigor that the tooling concept can inform production tooling decisions later.
Work with SME manufacturing engineers to validate process assumptions – confirming that the manufacturing processes assumed in design (welding methods, composite layup approaches, tube forming techniques, adhesive bonding sequences) are feasible as designed.
Support the transition of hardware from prototype to early production by ensuring first-build documentation, lessons learned, and BOM structures are complete and transferred to the product-owning ME team.
Collaborate with quality engineering to identify inspection points and acceptance criteria that emerge from first-build experience – particularly for characteristics not yet captured in drawings or specifications.
Travel to production sites, supplier facilities, and integration locations to support first builds and prototype campaigns (~15-20%, depending on program needs).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, prototype/development manufacturing, or NPI with hands-on involvement in building new hardware – not just sustaining existing production lines.
Demonstrated experience executing first builds or first-article production of mechanical or electromechanical hardware with incomplete or evolving design inputs.
Practical knowledge of mechanical manufacturing and assembly processes: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, mechanical fastening, composite fabrication, tube bending/swaging, adhesive bonding, and mechanical integration.
Ability to read mechanical drawings, interpret GD&T, and work from 3D models – and the judgment to know when something in the model won't work on the shop floor.
Experience writing work instructions, assembly procedures, or process documentation – you've captured a build process well enough that someone else could repeat it.
Strong communication skills and a willingness to give direct, specific design feedback to design engineers. You are not just flagging problems – you are proposing solutions.
Comfort working across multiple programs simultaneously, shifting between products as first-build needs arise.
A genuine interest in building things and a drive to figure out how hardware goes together. Personal experience in a machine shop, fabrication shop, or working on hardware (machining, welding, assembly, personal projects) is a strong plus.
Self-directed and resourceful – you don't wait for complete inputs or perfect information. You find what you need, make reasonable assumptions, and close the loop.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

Prototype Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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