Staff Flight Test Engineer, Unmanned Air Vehicles

Anduril Industries, Inc.; Costa Mesa, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, seeks a Staff Flight Test Engineer for unmanned air vehicles to lead development flight tests, coordinate with cross‑functional teams, and own planning, execution, and reporting of the test program.

The role requires 12+ years of developmental flight test leadership, DoD/test standards experience, and ability to travel; offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline or equivalent engineering experience.
• 12+ years as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missiles.
• Experience with development/test planning, execution and reporting for unmanned or manned systems.
• Knowledge of DoD and aerospace test standards (MIL-STD family).

Responsibilities

• Lead senior development flight test activities for the Fury UAS, focusing on planning and test execution.
• Coordinate ground and flight tests at private and government test ranges.
• Collect data and perform initial analysis for the system under test.
• Collaborate with Engineering to develop requirements and discuss results.
• Maintain safe operating practices per procedures.

Skills

Flight test leadership

Test planning & execution

Data analysis

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline

Tools

MIL-STD-882E

MIL-STD-516C

MIL-STD-1553

MIL-STD-1760

AS5653

Job description

Staff Flight Test Engineer, Unmanned Air Vehicles

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:

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits .