Flight Test Engineer - Advanced Effects

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Equity grants

Job summary

Anduril in Costa Mesa is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer to develop and execute testing for new aircraft weapon systems. The role involves close collaboration across departments to ensure successful test outcomes and requires a strong background in engineering and extensive experience in test operations.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, at least 5 years of test director experience, and familiarity with MIL-STD regulations. The position offers a salary range of $113,000 to $149,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental systems.
• Experience with UAS operating rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level testing of hardware and software.
• Lead test engineer for missile or weapon systems.
• Collect and analyze test data for the systems under test.

Skills

Test engineering experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Experience with MIL-STD regulations

Strong computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Linux

Software programming languages (Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript)

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 is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in developmental test of new aircraft weapon and missile systems. You will work closely with the program test leadership and a wide spectrum of cross‑department team members, solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. The role will be responsible for planning, coordination, execution and reporting on all facets of the test program.

What you’ll do

• Plan and execute system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Act as lead or supporting test engineer for missile or weapon systems to include development, certification and integration test of subsystems to the AUR configuration.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Work closely with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements, and discuss test results to include collected data and observations.
• Assist in the creation of developmental test plans, test cards, technical updates and test reports.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government‑owned test ranges.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and standard practices.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience.
• 5+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems.
• Good understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts.
• Test engineering experience working with developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, planning, execution, and reporting.
• Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL‑STD‑8591, MIL‑STD‑2088, MIL‑STD‑1553, MIL‑STD‑1760, AS‑8775, AS‑5653, etc.
• Experience integrating and conducting test with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases, and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Strong computer and documentation experience.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret‑Level security clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Prior experience with software code/script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
• Prior experience with Linux based systems and command line.
• Working Knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple different propulsion systems to include air and non‑air breathing.

Salary Range

U.S. Salary Range: $113,000 – $149,000 USD

Benefits

Anduril offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, recovery, and a variety of other benefits at little to no cost to employees. Equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers and are considered part of the total compensation package.