2027 Field Test Engineer Intern with Security Clearance

First Roles; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking Field Test Engineer interns to join the Costa Mesa office, working hands-on with AUVs, ASVs, and subsea systems. You will plan, execute, and analyze at-sea test events for autonomous platforms, often far from the lab in demanding environments.

You will support live operations, write test plans, coordinate with vendors, and help generate user documentation for maritime platforms.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Must be returning to school at the end of the internship to continue academic studies for at least one quarter or semester.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities; U.S. clearance eligibility may be required depending on program.

Responsibilities

• Work within a dynamic team of multidisciplinary engineers and specialists throughout the life of AUV/ASV design, integration, and test efforts
• Take on the principal responsibilities of the hands-on troubleshooting, repair, operation, and maintenance of AUVs / ASV and subsea systems in the field
• Lead day-to-day local operations for multiple AUVs / ASV and subsea platforms, including pre-mission testing, launch/recovery, and data analysis
• Deploy globally in support of maritime operations from a variety of support vessel types
• Write, review, and execute test plans during sea testing
• Coordinate test execution with 3rd party vendors, partners, and logistics companies
• Author detailed daily operational test reports documenting execution to test and evaluate platforms and capabilities
• Participate in generation of user documentation for all aspects of AUV and subsea operations

Skills

Software development

Technical communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in CS/CE/SE/Math/Physics

Tools

Linux

Test equipment

Excel

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.

We are seeking Field Test Engineer interns to join the Quincy or Costa Mesa‑based team at Anduril, where you’ll work in a cutting‑edge start‑up environment to advance the state‑of‑the‑possible in subsea robotics. In this role, you will be at the water’s edge and on the deck plate‑ planning, executing, and analyzing at‑sea test events for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV) and subsea systems. You will serve as the critical link between engineering and the real‑world ocean environment, turning design intent into validated hardware and software performance. This is a hands‑on position for someone who thrives on solving hard problems in the field, often far from the lab and under demanding austere operational conditions.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Work within a dynamic team of multidisciplinary engineers and specialists throughout the life of AUV/ASV design, integration, and test efforts
• Take on the principal responsibilities of the hands‑on troubleshooting, repair, operation, and maintenance of AUVs / ASV and subsea systems in the field
• Lead day‑to‑day local operations for multiple AUVs / ASV and subsea platforms, including conducting pre‑mission testing, launch and recovery, vehicle tasking, and data analysis
• Deploy globally in support of maritime operations from a variety of support vessel types
• Write, review, and execute test plans during sea testing
• Coordinate test execution with 3rd party vendors, partners, and logistics companies
• Author detailed daily operational test reports to document the step‑by‑step execution of internal and customer facing efforts to test and evaluate Anduril maritime platforms and new capabilities
• Support software UI design feedback for maritime systems
• Participate in generation of user documentation for all aspects of AUV and subsea operations, including user guides, mission planning guides, etc.
• Contribute to routine design reviews of the platform under test with an eye towards improving operability and reducing learning curve for at‑sea operations
• Contribute to next‑generation designs and features for maritime products, from identifying areas for improvement to leading test and evaluation efforts for new technology rollouts
• Participate in day‑to‑day offshore test operations including supporting multiple nearshore sea test days per week

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Must be returning to school at the end of the internship to continue academic studies for at least one quarter or semester.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities; U.S. clearance eligibility may be required depending on program.
• Ability to complete a 12‑week in‑person internship in one of our offices in summer 2027.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with software development
• Understanding of integrating subsea acoustic sensors, underwater navigation, and communication systems
• Proficient in reading and understanding engineering drawings and specifications
• Knowledge of offshore HSE policies and best practices
• Ability to adapt quickly and learn in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment
• Experience with Linux and command line interfaces as well as software debugging
• Knowledge of electronics troubleshooting and basic use of test equipment
• Experience with Microsoft Excel
• Extremely organized and detail‑oriented
• Excellent communication and customer support skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to deploy up to 50% of the time

US Hourly Range $32—$40 USD

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: Benefits At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.