Principal Engineer: Rapid UAS Integration & Test Equity

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Principal Engineer to join the Rapid Integration and Test (RIT) team within Test & Evaluation. You’ll own the team’s most complex integration and instrumentation work on large test assets, guiding technical direction as a hands-on individual contributor.

You’ll lead build, integration, instrumentation, and modification efforts (fixtures, power/avionics, wiring, sensor payloads), with travel as needed and a path toward security clearance where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Typically 15+ years of relevant experience; recognized as a seasoned expert with significant influence in the field.
• Hands-on UxS engineering experience—build, integration, and modification (fixtures, materials, power/avionics).
• Experience taking complex hardware/software systems from concept through flight test.
• In-depth knowledge of Pixhawk autopilot systems and the ArduPilot stack.
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and composite materials.
• Practical experience with small UAS/drones; NAS regulations understanding.
• Ability to set technical direction and mentor a team on larger platform work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; self-motivated; travels as needed and eligible for clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of complex integration and instrumentation efforts on the team’s assets.
• Perform hands-on build, integration, instrumentation, and modification: fixtures, materials, power and avionics, wiring.
• Own the technical approach for the team’s most complex integration and instrumentation work.
• Serve as a technical authority across Business Lines and partner programs — influencing decisions on complex integrations.
• Set technical direction and mentor the team taking on larger, more complex platforms.
• Develop and execute streamlined test plans, and ensure adherence to baseline safety plans.
• Cut through red tape while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in weekly stand-ups and provide SITREPs to leadership.

Skills

UxS engineering

Hardware integration

Flight test experience

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Pixhawk autopilot

ArduPilot stack

3D printing

Laser cutting

Composite materials

Job description

Anduril Industries is seeking a Principal Engineer to join the Rapid Integration and Test (RIT) team within Test & Evaluation. You’ll own the team’s most complex integration and instrumentation work on large test assets, guiding technical direction as a hands-on individual contributor.

You’ll lead build, integration, instrumentation, and modification efforts (fixtures, power/avionics, wiring, sensor payloads), with travel as needed and a path toward security clearance where required.