
Quality Inspector-Optical Testing
Job Description
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Optical Testing Quality Inspector will support the Manufacturing/Production teams, and be responsible for executing detailed optical testing and inspection processes necessary to ensure quality products in a timely manner. You will partner with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to execute optical testing and support laser system production.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Executing optical test procedures using power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, and interferometers
- Inspecting incoming materials, equipment, and optical/laser products to ensure quality specifications are met
- Performing laser beam quality measurements, power output testing, and wavelength characterization
- Setting up optical test benches and performing precision optical alignment using autocollimators and alignment telescopes
- Investigating/troubleshooting product and production issues and taking corrective action
- Documenting optical performance data and maintaining accurate records of measurements, alignments, and system configurations
- Implementing standards/specifications/processes cross-functionally with Quality Teams
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree in Photonics Technology, Optical Engineering Technology, or related technical field
- 4+ years of hands-on experience in optics, laser systems, or photonics manufacturing
- Experience with calibrated equipment (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
- Proficiency with optical test equipment (power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, interferometers)
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, electrical circuit diagrams, specifications, and assembly procedures
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge, understanding dimension and tolerancing
- Experience with inspection of machined parts and mechanical assemblies
- Knowledge of laser safety protocols and optical component handling
- Experience in a facility with AS9100, ISO9001, IATF 16949 or similar QMS standard
- U.S. Person Status is required as this position needs to access controlled data
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical or Associates degree in related quality/mechanical/aerospace engineering field
- 4+ years experience in a quality assurance or inspection role in a manufacturing/production setting
- Military optical/laser training or equivalent technical certification
- Experience in defense, aerospace, or laser system environments
- Experience with modulation transfer functional measurements and test station setup, validation, and maintenance
- IPC-A-610 or IPC-A-620 Certification
- Knowledge of First Article Inspection requirements and processes
- Experience creating optical test procedures and assembly work instructions
- Highly motivated team player who is willing to support a fast paced team environment
TRAVEL
- 25% travel required to out of state locations
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
- Work in clean room environments
- Use of precision optical tools and equipment
- Visual acuity and color discrimination required for inspection
- Adherence to laser safety and contamination control protocols
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 Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Healthcare Benefits
- US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
- UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
- IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
- Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
- Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
- Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
- Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
- Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
- Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
- Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
- US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
- UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
- AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.
The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
-
No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
- Please always verify communications:
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an
@anduril.comaddress. - Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to [email protected].
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an
-
Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
-
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to [email protected]. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
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Job Details
- Department
- Manufacturing
- Category
- Technician
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Costa Mesa, California, United States
- Posted
- Mar 11, 2026, 09:06 PM
- Listed
- Mar 11, 2026, 09:06 PM
- Compensation
- $25 - $33 per hour
About Anduril Industries
Part of the growing space & AI ecosystem pushing the frontiers of technology.
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