Staff Flight Test Engineer, Air Dominance & Strike

Anduril; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous time off

Mental health resources

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in Costa Mesa is seeking a highly motivated Staff Flight Test Engineer to lead developmental testing for the Fury UAS. You will be integral in planning, executing, and reporting on flight tests, ensuring safety and efficiency. Ideal candidates possess over 12 years of relevant experience and a strong grasp of test engineering principles. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft or missile systems.
• Test engineering experience with manned or unmanned aircraft systems.
• Eligibility for a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ground and flight test activities for the Fury UAS.
• Lead a team of flight test engineers in testing events.
• Collect and analyze test data for system under test.

Skills

Test engineering experience

Strong communication skills

Experience with large aircraft development

Ability to work independently

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline

Tools

MIL-STD-882E

MIL-STD-516C

Job description

Staff Flight Test Engineer, Air Dominance & Strike

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 senior‑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

• 12+ 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

$166,000 - $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:

Healthcare Benefits

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• UK & UAS 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 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
• Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.

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.

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

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As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.