Flight Test Engineer - Mission Autonomy

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Mission Autonomy Flight Test Engineer to advance testing for autonomous systems. You will design and run flight test programs, analyze results, and iteratively refine autonomy algorithms while coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet mission objectives.

The role involves executing simulations, interpreting complex data, and shaping program requirements with stakeholders. Some travel to testing locations is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of flight testing experience with autonomous or remotely piloted systems.
• Ability to develop and execute test plans for complex systems under tight timelines.
• Familiarity with mission autonomy and unmanned systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Drive advancement of testing methodologies for mission autonomy to ensure robust performance.
• Design and implement test plans for autonomous systems in varied mission profiles.
• Analyze test data to validate performance and guide improvements in autonomy algorithms.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and product teams to align test requirements with objectives.
• Lead end-to-end test management, shaping requirements and delivering clear reports.
• Run simulations that mirror real-world scenarios to accelerate testing cycles.
• Coordinate with private and government ranges to test and evaluate systems.

Skills

Flight testing

Autonomous systems

Test planning

Data analysis

Cross-functional

Communication

Travel readiness

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, CS, robotics

Tools

Python

C++

ROS

Simulation tools

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.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril is integral to our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. We are at the forefront of testing approaches, particularly in the domain of mission autonomy systems. As we expand, we’re seeking a methodical engineer who is prepared to tackle the challenges of mission autonomy testing and contribute to the iterative development and refinement of our autonomous systems, including the Fury, Anduril’s Group 5 UAS. As a Mission Autonomy Flight Test Engineer at Anduril Industries, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of defense technology. Your focus on autonomy will empower users to execute multifaceted missions with precision and efficiency. Join us in our mission to transform military capabilities with your expertise in testing and autonomy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Drive the advancement of Anduril's testing methodologies, with a focus on mission autonomy systems, to ensure robust and reliable performance in complex operational scenarios.
• Design and implement test plans that challenge and verify the capabilities of autonomous systems in a variety of simulated mission profiles.
• Analyze data from tests to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement, iterating rapidly to refine autonomy algorithms and behaviors.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers, to define test requirements and ensure alignment with system capabilities and mission objectives.
• Drive end-to-end test management by shaping program requirements, designing comprehensive test plans, leading execution efforts, analyzing complex data, and delivering clear, concise reports to cross-functional and program teams.
• Execute and analyze simulations that replicate real-world scenarios for autonomous systems to accelerate testing cycles, optimize system performance, and inform stakeholders on development and deployment implications.
• Coordinate with private and government test ranges to test and evaluate systems and software

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in autonomous systems testing.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in flight testing, with a strong emphasis on autonomous or remotely piloted systems.
• Demonstrated ability in developing and executing test plans for complex systems within aggressive timelines.
• Familiarity with the principles of mission autonomy, unmanned systems, and the integration of multiple assets into cohesive operational frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret test data, diagnose system behaviors, and recommend actionable improvements.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones and deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively articulating technical challenges and solutions to a diverse audience.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.
• In this role, you will be subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience in the development, testing, and deployment of mission autonomy systems in a defense or aerospace context.
• Hands-on experience with simulation environments and tools used for testing autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with software development practices and experience with programming languages used in autonomy and robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS).
• Knowledge of current industry and military standards related to unmanned aerial systems and their operation within national airspace.

US Salary Range

$86,000 — $112,000 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.