Senior Flight Test Engineer, Maneuver Dominance

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Generous time off

Mental health resources

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Senior UAS Flight Test Engineer in Costa Mesa, California. You'll lead testing and evaluation of Group 3 UAS, ensuring performance and reliability, while coordinating with teams across locations. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of UAS experience, a relevant engineering degree, and is prepared for significant travel. Comprehensive benefits include health plans, income protection, generous PTO, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in UAS integration, testing, and project management.
• Ability and willingness to travel >75% time to remote locations.
• Practical experience with large UAS testing and development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous testing and evaluation of Group 3 UAS.
• Develop and execute focused test plans for internal and customer trials.
• Communicate effectively within the team and across the organization.

Skills

UAS integration

Project management

Communication skills

Understanding of UAS regulations

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company on a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the most innovative 21st‑century companies to defense, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built, and sold. Anduril’s systems are powered by Lattice OS, an AI‑operated platform that turns thousands of data streams into a real‑time, 3D command and control center.

The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril develops operationally relevant, multi‑asset autonomy. We focus on building next‑generation autonomous capabilities by leveraging existing Anduril platforms such as Ghost or Altius, integrating 3rd‑party platforms into the Lattice ecosystem, and developing breakthrough systems that will shape the battlefield. If you thrive in an innovative, fast‑paced environment where your work has immediate impact, this is a fantastic opportunity.

As a Senior UAS Flight Test Engineer you will plan, execute, and report on developmental and operational flight Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities. You will work alongside a team of engineers and test specialists, assisting in the wider management and coordination of test and evaluation within the U.S., U.K., and Europe under civil and military approval schemes.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct rigorous testing and evaluation of Group 3 UAS to ensure performance and reliability.
• Deploy to remote test sites within the U.S., with opportunity to support trials overseas.
• Participate in weekly stand‑ups and provide progress reports to program and T&E leadership.
• Develop and execute focused test plans for internal and customer trials.
• Develop and implement baseline safety plans to mitigate risks during testing.
• Communicate effectively within the team and across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in UAS integration, testing, and project management.
• Ability and willingness to travel >75% time to remote locations in the U.S. and overseas.
• Understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS regulations.
• Practical experience with large UAS testing and development.
• Strong grasp of engineering principles and technical concepts.
• Ability to organize, coordinate work effectively, and document thoroughly.
• Familiarity with rotary‑wing and fixed‑wing aerodynamics and flight control systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently and in teams.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
• FAA Part 107 certificate holder.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with complex and autonomous UAS.

US Salary Range

$146,000—$183,000 USD

Healthcare Benefits

• US roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• UK & AUS roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• IE roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address personal medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development expenses.
• Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan

• US roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
• UK & IE roles: Pension plan with employer match.
• AUS roles: Superannuation plan.