Staff Flight Test Engineer, Missiles

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Highly competitive equity grants

Top-tier health and recovery benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries seeks a motivated Flight Test Engineer in Costa Mesa, California. This role involves planning and executing developmental tests on weapon systems, collaborating with cross-departments to solve challenging problems. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and a strong grasp of engineering principles.

Competitive salary range is $166,000—$220,000, alongside top-tier benefits and equity grants.

Qualifications

• 8+ years as a lead test conductor for developmental weapon or missile systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering concepts and UAS operating rules.
• Ability to travel for test planning and execution.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level test and evaluation of hardware and software.
• Lead test engineer for UAS, missile, or weapon systems development.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis during testing.

Skills

Test planning

Data analysis

Communication skills

MIL-STD knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or related technical discipline

Tools

Linux systems

Programming languages (Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript)

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 weapon and missile systems. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross‑departments to help support and/or lead a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. The role will be responsible for assisting 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 is a fantastic opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute system‑level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Work closely with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements, and discuss test results to include collected data and observations.
• Act as lead test engineer for small UAS, missile or weapon systems to include development, certification, and integration tests of subsystems to the AUR configuration.
• Perform safety and risk analysis for testing events.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government‑owned test ranges.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• 8+ years of experience as a lead test conductor/test director for developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, test planning and execution, and test reporting.
• 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.
• Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL‑STD‑8591, MIL‑STD‑2088, MIL‑STD‑1553, MIL‑STD‑1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.
• Experience integrating and conducting test with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• 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 expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• 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.
• Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Prior experience with software code/script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
• Prior experience with Linux based systems and command line.
• Working knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software.
• Prior experience in SRM and booster separation testing.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple different propulsion systems to include air and non‑air breathing.

Benefits

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:

• A comprehensive, competitive benefits package available at little to no cost to employees.
• Highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full‑time offers.
• Top‑tier health, recovery, and other benefits.

Privacy

To view Anduril’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.

By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third‑party service provider to conduct pre‑employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process.