Senior Flight Test Engineer - Mission Autonomy (UAS - Fury)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO

Mental health resources

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Anduril Industries, based in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a Senior Mission Autonomy Flight Test Engineer to revolutionize defense technology. The role involves developing testing methodologies for autonomous systems, analyzing data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and over 12 years of flight testing experience. A passion for advancing military capabilities through technology is essential.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $146,000 – $194,000, with substantial benefits such as comprehensive healthcare, retirement savings plans, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in flight testing.
• Successful test plan development for complex systems.
• Ability to interpret test data and diagnose behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Drive advancement of testing methodologies.
• Design and implement test plans for autonomy systems.
• Analyze data to validate performance and improve systems.

Skills

Flight testing experience

Autonomous system testing

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related field

Tools

Python

C++

ROS

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.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril is integral to our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. We are at the forefront of testing approaches, particularly in the domain of mission autonomy systems. As we expand, we’re seeking a methodical engineer who is prepared to tackle the challenges of mission autonomy testing and contribute to the iterative development and refinement of our autonomous systems, including the Fury, Anduril’s Group 5 UAS.

As a Senior Mission Autonomy Flight Test Engineer at Anduril Industries, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of defense technology. Your focus on autonomy will empower users to execute multifaceted missions with precision and efficiency. Join us in our mission to transform military capabilities with your expertise in testing and autonomy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Drive the advancement of Anduril’s testing methodologies, with a focus on mission autonomy systems, to ensure robust and reliable performance in complex operational scenarios.
• Design and implement test plans that challenge and verify the capabilities of autonomous systems in a variety of simulated mission profiles.
• Analyze data from tests to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement, iterating rapidly to refine autonomy algorithms and behaviors.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers, to define test requirements and ensure alignment with system capabilities and mission objectives.
• Drive end‑to‑end test management by shaping program requirements, designing comprehensive test plans, leading execution efforts, analyzing complex data, and delivering clear, concise reports to cross‑functional and program teams.
• Execute and analyze simulations that replicate real‑world scenarios for autonomous systems to accelerate testing cycles, optimize system performance, and inform stakeholders on development and deployment implications.
• Coordinate with private and government test ranges to test and evaluate systems and software.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in autonomous systems testing.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in flight testing, with a strong emphasis on autonomous or remotely piloted systems.
• Demonstrated ability in developing and executing test plans for complex systems within aggressive timelines.
• Familiarity with the principles of mission autonomy, unmanned systems, and the integration of multiple assets into cohesive operational frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret test data, diagnose system behaviors, and recommend actionable improvements.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones and deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively articulating technical challenges and solutions to a diverse audience.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret‑Level security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience in the development, testing, and deployment of mission autonomy systems in a defense or aerospace context.
• Hands‑on experience with simulation environments and tools used for testing autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with software development practices and experience with programming languages used in autonomy and robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS).
• Knowledge of current industry and military standards related to unmanned aerial systems and their operation within national airspace.

US Salary Range

$146,000 – $194,000 USD (base salary only). Actual salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, and 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.

Benefits

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 your own medical needs.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertilization treatments, 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.
• 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.