Principal Flight Test Engineer, Group 5

Anduril Industries, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated flight test engineer to lead innovative test programs for advanced unmanned aerial systems. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance military capabilities through rigorous testing and evaluation. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of flight testing, from planning to execution, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment where your expertise will directly influence the future of defense technology. If you are passionate about solving complex challenges and making a real-world impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave

Mental Health Resources

Professional Development Stipend

Daily Meals and Provisions

Relocation Assistance

Company-funded Commuter Benefits

Generous Holiday Calendar

Life and Disability Insurance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in test engineering for aircraft and missile systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead flight test activities for the Fury UAS, focusing on planning and execution.
• Collect and analyze test data to support system evaluations.

Skills

Test Engineering

Flight Test Engineering

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

MIL-STD-882E

MIL-STD-516C

MIL-STD-1553

MIL-STD-1760

AS5653

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 a new and revolutionary Group 5 UAS, and experience performing test engineering responsibilities and early prototype development. 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 role will be responsible for owning and supporting on planning, coordination, execution and reporting on all facets of the test program.

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

• Perform principal-level, development flight test engineer activities for the Fury UAS; emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Lead and/or be a part of a team of flight test engineers, functional engineers, and program representatives responsible for conducting ground and flight test events at private, and government-owned test ranges.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Work closely with Engineering to develop requirements, discuss test results, to include collected data and observations.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems.
• A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Extensive experience as a test conductor/test director for developmental aircraft, weapon, or missile systems.
• Test engineering experience working with developmental systems of manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, test planning and execution, and test reporting.
• Test and engineering experience in aero/performance, loads/dynamics, propulsion or electrical.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Previous experience with and current working knowledge of MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-516C, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653, etc.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System, government restricted airspace and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Must possess the 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.
• Must have 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.
• Experience with large aircraft development and working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
• Experience managing individuals or teams of multiple individuals.
• Experience with large UAS development.
• Previous experience working within a Combined Test Force or equivalent.

US Salary Range: $170,000 - $220,000 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:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
• A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
• Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.
• Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
• 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!