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

Competitive benefits

Health coverage

Job summary

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a senior flight operations leader in Costa Mesa, CA. You will develop and implement flight operation strategies, oversee flight tests, and coordinate with engineers, control room staff, and customers to ensure successful program execution.

The role requires extensive experience in flight operations, UAS development, and a Top Secret clearance. Travel and extended hours may be required; equity grants and top-tier benefits are provided

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in flight operations and/or test management for developmental aircraft and payload integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement flight operation strategies aligned with leadership directives.
• Oversee flight tests, planning, execution, and oversight of associated activities.
• Collaborate with test engineers and control room personnel on test event planning and reporting.
• Manage system integration, roadmap focus, and program execution.

Skills

Flight operations

Test management

UAS development

Security clearance

Leadership

Communication

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

• 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

Benefits

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:

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.

Data Privacy

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.

By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.