Flight Test & Integration Specialist

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a Flight Test & Integration Specialist to deploy and operate advanced autonomous systems in real-world scenarios.

You will plan UAS missions (VLOS/BVLOS), serve as Safety Pilot, conduct inspections, troubleshoot in the field, and integrate sensors, controllers, and networking. Travel >50% and ability to obtain US security clearance are required. Strong Linux, Mission Planner/QGroundControl experience, and cross-team collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Significant experience planning and executing UAS operations.
• Experience with FW, rotorcraft, and VTOL platforms.
• Strong understanding of FAA Part 107 operations and airspace rules.
• Proficiency with Pixhawk/Cube Orange flight controllers and mission planning.
• Proficient with Linux command line tools.
• Strong networking knowledge and data transmission basics.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute UAS missions in diverse environments.
• Act as Safety Pilot for flight operations.
• Perform pre-/in-/post-flight inspections for safety and readiness.
• Troubleshoot UAS systems and implement solutions in the field.
• Integrate hardware/software on UAS platforms and prototype new systems.
• Collaborate with engineering to test subsystems and optimize networks.
• Maintain flight logs and safety documentation.

Skills

Flight operations planning

Testing expertise

Collaboration

Communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

Pixhawk / Cube Orange flight controllers

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Linux command line

Networking basics

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.

Summary

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril is integral to our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team specializes in a broad spectrum of testing activities, including developmental testing using surrogate vehicles, and is at the forefront of testing approaches—particularly in the domain of mission autonomy systems.
We are expanding our team to include a Flight Test & Integration Specialist who will assist the deployment and operation of advanced autonomous systems in real‑world scenarios. This hands‑on role combines expertise in flight operations, system integration, testing, and troubleshooting, with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Operations & Testing:
• Plan, prepare, and execute UAS missions, including VLOS and BVLOS operations, in diverse and dynamic environments.
• Act as Safety Pilot for flight operations, conducting manual flight of fixed‑wing, rotorcraft, and VTOL UAS platforms as needed.
• Perform pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections to ensure operational readiness and safety.
• Troubleshoot UAS systems in real‑time during field operations and implement effective solutions.
• Systems Integration & Prototyping:
• Integrate hardware and software systems into UAS platforms, including sensors, actuators, flight controllers, and networking systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to prototype and test new systems and subsystems.
• Assist in configuring and optimizing UAS communication networks, ensuring seamless data transmission between ground control stations and UAS.
• Utilize Linux command line tools for system configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Provide feedback on UAS performance to engineering and project teams, helping identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain detailed flight logs, technical records, risk assessments, and operational safety documentation.
• Contribute to the development of safe operating procedures and promote a culture of safety across flight operations.

Required Qualifications

• Hold a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Significant experience of manual UAS or RC aircraft operations on FW, rotorcraft, and FW VTOL airframes.
• Demonstrable and significant experience in planning and executing UAS operations.
• Thorough understanding and practical application of FAA Part 107 operations, including the development of Operational Safety Cases and the process for obtaining operational authorizations.
• Comprehensive understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS operating regulations.
• Expert‑level technical proficiency with Pixhawk or Cube Orange flight controllers, including mission planning software (e.g., Mission Planner, QGroundControl).
• Proficiency in Linux command line tools for system configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of advanced networking concepts, including IP configurations, routing, and data transmission protocols.
• Background in aviation, electronics, robotics, or related technical fields.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems in field operations.
• Willingness to travel extensively (>50%) and work flexible hours to support field testing and operations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• In this role, you will be subject to pre‑employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with BVLOS operations and multi‑aircraft missions.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printing or working with composite materials.
• Knowledge of advanced UAS payloads, such as LiDAR or EO/IR sensors.
• FAA part 61 license.

US Salary Range

$41 - $54 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:

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 .

As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.