Manufacturing Engineer – High Vacuum & Cryogenic Systems

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril AIRS provides high-performance cooled infrared imaging solutions, encompassing IDCAs (Integrated Detector Cooler Assemblies), modules, and cameras. We achieve this through state-of-the-art technologies, advanced designs, and vertically integrated manufacturing processes. Our core strength lies in delivering customized, mission-critical imaging capabilities to system integrators and instrumentation manufacturers facing unique, challenging, and complex thermal imaging needs.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in High Vacuum and Cryogenic Systems, you will own, optimize, and scale the critical vacuum processing and bakeout lines for our IDCA production. You will bridge the gap between design engineering and production, driving process reliability, yields, and throughput while ensuring the integrity of our ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and cryogenic systems.

• Process Ownership & Optimization: Design, characterize, and optimize vacuum bakeout, pinch-off, and cryogenic processing procedures. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle times, eliminate waste, and maximize yield for IDCA production.
• Diagnostics & RGA Analysis: Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA) instrumentation. Analyze mass spectra to monitor outgassing, evaluate gas composition, establish process baselines, and detect trace contaminants or virtual leaks.
• Equipment & Tooling Engineering: Specify, source, and integrate advanced high-vacuum hardware (turbomolecular, cryopumps, ion pumps, dry scroll pumps) and helium leak detectors. Design custom tooling, fixtures, and vacuum manifolds (using CAD/SolidWorks) to improve manufacturing ergonomics and throughput.
• Root-Cause Corrective Action (RCCA): Lead troubleshooting and engineering investigations for complex system-level failures, vacuum degradation, or thermal performance issues. Implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Sustaining Engineering & Documentation: Author, update, and standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process routers, and manufacturing work instructions. Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor critical vacuum parameters and equipment health.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Design, Quality, and Facilities teams to design cleanroom-compatible processes (ISO 5/Class 100), execute equipment qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ), and transition new products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience in high-vacuum manufacturing).
• Experience: 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience in a high-vacuum (HV) or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) manufacturing environment (semi-conductor, aerospace, or cryogenics preferred).
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep understanding of vacuum physics, gas dynamics, outgassing phenomena, and material compatibility in vacuum.
  • Proficiency in helium leak detection methodology (inside-out, outside-in, and sniffing techniques).
  • Experience interpreting RGA scan data and troubleshooting vacuum pump stack configurations.
  • Familiarity with liquid nitrogen (LN2) handling, cryogenic heat transfer, and thermal performance testing.
• Tools & Systems: Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent), Microsoft Excel/data analysis tools, and modern PLM/MES software. Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC) software is a plus.
• Infrared Industry Experience: Prior experience with IDCA manufacturing, Dewar fabrication, or infrared sensor packaging is highly desirable.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance