Senior Flight Test Engineer - Mission Autonomy

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental insurance

Vision care

Equity grants

Paid time off

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a flight test engineer to drive developmental testing of flight systems. You will plan and execute system-level tests, analyze results, and coordinate with management and engineering teams for requirements and improvements.

The role includes leading test activities for UAS or weapon systems, conducting safety analyses, and performing flight and ground tests at various ranges. Travel and extended hours may be required, with eligibility for a U.S. Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or equivalent engineering experience.
• 7+ years experience leading developmental test of weapon or missile systems on manned or unmanned aircraft.
• Strong analytical skills and rapid problem solving.
• Deep knowledge of flight systems engineering principles and theory.
• Experience with NAS and UAS operating rules.
• Proficiency with CLI for system navigation and management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for test planning and execution.
• Availability for extended work hours when required.
• Bias for action and proactive problem solving.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level test and evaluation of hardware and software, focusing on flight testing and process improvement.
• Collaborate with program management and engineering to develop test requirements and discuss results.
• Lead test activities for small UAS or weapon systems, including certification and integration tests.
• Perform safety and risk analysis for all test events.
• Collect and analyze test data for the system under test.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned ranges.
• Work safely in accordance with operating procedures.

Skills

Test leadership

Analytical skills

Flight systems engineering

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

Go

Java

C++

Python

JavaScript

Linux

ArduPilot/Mission Planning software

Job description

Join Anduril Industries as a flight test engineer who will prioritize developmental testing of flight systems. The role coordinates planning, execution, reporting, and safety analysis for system‑level tests of hardware and software in both ground and flight environments.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute system‑level test and evaluation of hardware and software, focusing on resource planning, flight testing, and process improvement.
• Collaborate with program management and engineering teams to develop test requirements and discuss results.
• Lead test activities for small UAS or weapon systems, including certification and integration tests.
• Perform safety and risk analysis for all test events.
• Collect and analyze test data for the system under test.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government‑owned ranges.
• Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or equivalent engineering experience.
• 7+ years experience leading developmental test of weapon or missile systems on manned or unmanned aircraft.
• Strong analytical skills, including rapid understanding of new concepts and problem solving.
• Deep knowledge of engineering principles, codes, and theory applicable to flight systems.
• Experience with the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules.
• Proficiency with command‑line interfaces for system navigation and management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel for test planning and execution.
• Availability for extended work hours when required.
• Bias for action – quick to spot problems and drive solutions.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Department of Defense.
• Background in software development using Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, or similar.
• Experience with Linux‑based systems and command line.
• Hands‑on experience with simulation environments for autonomous systems testing.
• Knowledge of Ardupilot small UAS autopilot and mission‑planning software.
• Experience with manned aircraft and aviation terminology.
• Proficiency in Linux environments.

Salary Range: $146,000 – $194,000 USD (base salary only; equity and benefits included).

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, equity grants, paid time off, and other standard offerings.