Deputy Director, Flight Operations

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Top-tier benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a Deputy Director of Flight Operations to lead developmental test programs for large UAS and VTOL platforms, collaborating with program leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver safe, compliant flight test activities.

You will mentor flight operations staff, shape test strategies, oversee planning and execution, and ensure regulatory compliance while navigating a fast-paced, high-stakes defense environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in flight operations and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.
• Experience with large UAS development.
• Knowledge of DCMA INST 8210, MIL-STD-516, 14 CFR, and related T&E guiding documents.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement flight operation strategies aligned with leadership directives.
• Oversee integration, planning, execution, and oversight of flight tests and related activities.
• Collaborate with test engineers and control room personnel on test planning, preparation, execution, and reporting.
• Navigate complex product development roadmaps focusing on system integration and program execution.
• Facilitate engineering reviews and ensure clear communication with customers.
• Provide input for documentation like system manuals, checklists, and acceptance procedures.
• Coordinate project and test progress with program leadership and manage resources.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies during flight operations.
• Support hardware and software testing with emphasis on process improvement.
• Manage and mentor flight operations staff including pilots and support personnel.

Skills

Flight operations

Test management

Leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

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.

Anduril is looking for a highly motivated Deputy Director of Flight Operations with emphasis on developmental test of a new and revolutionary medium and large conventional and VTOL UAS vehicles. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments to help develop, mentor, and lead a world-class flight test organization focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. This role delivers a rare breadth of exposure, spanning autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, robotics, software, operations, systems validation, safety assessments, release decisions, and regulatory compliance.

Anduril is a rapidly growing company, and the right person for this role should be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with many competing priorities. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement flight operation strategies that align with company leadership directives.
• Oversee the integration, planning, execution, and operational oversight of flight tests and associated activities.
• Collaborate with test engineers and control room personnel to provide input on test event planning, preparation, execution, and reporting.
• Navigate a complex product development roadmap, focusing on system integration, strategy development, and program execution.
• Facilitate engineering reviews, technical discussions, and ensure effective communication between Anduril and customer representatives.
• Provide input and oversight for essential documentation, including system manuals, checklists, and acceptance procedures.
• Coordinate project and test progress status, interfacing with program leadership, and managing resource constraints.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies during flight operations.
• Support hardware and software testing, emphasizing resource planning and process improvement.
• Manage and mentor flight operations staff, including pilots, crew, and support personnel.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in flight operations and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.
• Experience with large UAS development.
• Knowledge of DCMA INST 8210, MIL-STD-516, 14 CFR, and related T&E guiding documents.
• Strong understanding of engineering concepts and principles, with broad application in related technical specialties.
• Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts, organize work phases, and develop solutions to complex problems.
• Experience working with the Department of War (DoW).
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of team management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Must possess and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• In this role, you will be subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in flight operations, high risk flight testing and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.
• 10+ years of Pilot-In-Command experience of large manned and or unmanned aircraft.
• Involvement in the first flight of a developmental aircraft or major aircraft system.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Previous experience in a Combined Test Force or equivalent organization.

US Salary Range

$220,000 — $292,000 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.