Flight Test Avionics Lead — Development & Test (Equity)

Slope; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; Full time

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.

This position will be filled by a highly motivated Flight Test Avionics Technician, Manager with a passion for developmental flight test of new and revolutionary products contributing valued mechanical expertise in all fields of aircraft maintenance. You will combine your outstanding technical skills and extensive flight test experience with strong leadership and people management to drive operational excellence and innovation. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross‑departments to help build a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril works across the entire spectrum of products and business lines, as well as all flight operations and test range management. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, sub‑component qualification testing and much more. In short, if it involves test, we support it. 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

• Implement and monitor standardized procedures for maintenance and upgrades.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and performance.
• Managing budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Plan and oversee avionics projects from concept to implementation.
• Manage recruitment, training, and performance reviews.
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration between systems engineers, technicians, and other departments.
• Service, troubleshoot, repair, inspect, and maintain aircraft avionics and ground support equipment in support of test operations and sustainment activities in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Modify, install, and test electronics and mechanical equipment as part of customer and company modification and test efforts.
• Correct major and minor discrepancies by removal, repair, or replacement of defective avionics, electrical, payloads and subsystems.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and functional checks on aircraft avionics, electrical, and subsystems.
• Ability to fabricate, upgrade and modify aircraft harnesses, coax cables and fiber optic as well as install and checkout with limited engineering guidance.
• Load and maintain software configuration on Aircraft and Ground Segment.
• Extensive experience with software loads and regressions in a development environment.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain aircraft and subsystems including landing gear, fuel system, flight control, and propulsion.
• Conduct a variety of aircraft ground operations including Launch, Recovery, and Ground Engine run‑up.
• Perform standard preflight maintenance on prototype and experimental aircraft.
• Complete aircraft and equipment documentation.
• Perform proper FOD and tool control practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficient with computer use (standard browser, word processing applications).
• Extensive experience and training in Install, troubleshooting and checkout of flight test instrumentation systems to include but not limited to strain gauges, accelerometers, string pots and all associated wiring.
• Capable to perform tasks independently, manage time effectively, and make decisions without constant supervision or guidance.
• Ability to meticulously interpret and work from engineering drawings and draft procedures, ensuring accuracy in translating technical specifications into practical applications.
• Willing to be multi‑capable. Which shall include some mechanical troubleshooting and repair.
• Active TS Clearance, investigation within 5 years or continuous evaluation.
• 8 years or more of aircraft avionics experience.
• 5 years or more of developmental flight test experience.
• 5 years or more of avionics leadership experience.
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a fast paced, challenging work environment.
• Ability to travel as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, or a related engineering field.
• Valid FCC license.
• ICP‑A 620 certification.

US Salary Range

$145,000 – $180,000 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:

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.