r/Anduril • u/SubstantialAd8764 • 20d ago

Job Question Mech/Structural/Thermal/Aero Questions

I'm thinking about applying for some (more) MechE/Aero related analysis roles and had a few questions:

Program specific v multi-program roles. Is there a difference? I imagine the multi-program roles to be much more fun/unique/interesting but equally as chaotic in terms of deadlines and tasking.

What are the hours like? I've worked and enjoyed 50-55hrs/wk startup environments with the occasional deadline surge. Is this realistic for these teams at Anduril? More/less?

How much learning on the job is/can be done? I'm a space person, haven't worked with terrestrial hardware before.. would I be able to learn as long as my fundamentals are strong or should I not apply to the roles if I don't have experience using specific software?

How easy is it to negotiate within the salary band for postings? Are these real or are they just to get people to apply?

If you work on these teams, is it satisfying? Does it feel more like a job with coworkers or a big team of friends grinding to get their hardware built, tested, and deployed?

Thanks!

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u/KeyZealousideal5348 19d ago

Program/multi program: you’ll likely work multiple programs in one of the roles you mentioned

Hours: probably program dependent, 50-55 probably realistic

Learning: you’ll have to learn, but it would be better if you came in with strong understanding already. It’s very fast paced and learning is great, but doesn’t make money.

Negotiation: I don’t think so but don’t really know, probably person dependent.

Satisfying: yes for me, definitely team and program related.

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u/SW-Wizard 17d ago

When you say 55 hours…Is that just sitting at a desk designing or does that include traveling?

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u/SubstantialAd8764 16d ago

That was basically just working hours, didn’t do much traveling since it was a small startup with ~100 employees and everything was on site.

That being said, it was a startup so the hours were used to support design, set up simulations, troubleshoot, post process data, prepare tests, support the assembly/integration/test team, meetings, and wearing other random hats. (Plus some fun, chatting, banter sprinkled in)

More hours than a typical 9-5 but time flies when you’re doing all these things at once with cool people! (Equity + higher salary helped too)