Technical Program Manager - Advanced Effects

Anduril Industries, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Anduril Industries, Inc. is seeking a Technical Program Manager for its Test and Evaluation team in Costa Mesa, California. The role involves collaborating on integration and testing strategies while facilitating complex product developments. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of test engineering experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $129,000 to $171,000 USD, along with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and 401(k) matching.

The right individual should thrive in a challenging environment, exhibiting strong leadership skills and the ability to navigate competing priorities effectively.

Qualifications

• 8+ years test engineering experience required.
• Ability to travel as needed for planning and testing.
• Understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on testing strategies to achieve program objectives.
• Coordinate testing activities and ensure legal compliance.
• Oversee test efforts at system and subsystem levels.

Skills

Test engineering experience

Knowledge of MIL-STD standards

System engineering tools (Jira, Confluence)

Communication skills

Mechanical and technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline

Tools

Linux/Unix OS

Job description

Technical Program Manager - Advanced Effects

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company whose mission is 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, 3‑D 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.

About the Role

We are seeking driven individuals to join our growing Test and Evaluation team. In the Project Engineering role you will be heavily involved in new development and solving complex problems, positioned at the intersection of critical teams to progress from initial concept through production‑ready. Your day‑to‑day focus will change often as you navigate a complex product development roadmap, but you will have opportunities such as developing a cross‑functional strategy, system integration, planning and program execution. The right person for this role should thrive in a fast‑paced environment with many competing priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate on integration, maintenance and testing strategies to achieve program objectives.
• Facilitate and coordinate all aspects of testing activities, including personnel, equipment, data links, test facilities and legal compliance.
• Act as a Project Engineer for small UAS, missile or weapon systems to include development, certification and integration tests of subsystems into the AUR configuration.
• Provide oversight and guidance of test and integration efforts at the system and subsystem levels.
• Communicate clearly, in writing, all facets of a flight test program, including test plans, procedures, flight cards and reports.
• Work with multiple cross‑department organizations to plan test events and lead the successful execution of those events.
• Participate in requirements development and design reviews with various engineering teams.
• Support safety review boards and test readiness reviews.
• Lead or contribute to RCCA teams or initiatives.
• Create and facilitate associated system documentation such as manuals, checklists and acceptance procedures.
• Coordinate project and test progress status, interface with program leadership, prepare and maintain technical and tactical level schedules, and manage resource constraints.
• Work closely with internal and external customers as needed.
• Observe all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Execute test responsibilities as needed, including T&E of hardware and software with emphasis on resource planning, conducting ground and flight testing, process improvement and technical test reviews.
• Establish safe operational procedures and practices.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and 8+ years test engineering experience.
• Ability to travel as required for planning and testing.
• Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL‑STD‑8591, MIL‑STD‑2088, MIL‑STD‑1553, MIL‑STD‑1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.
• Previous experience in SRM or liquid propulsion systems testing.
• Expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes and theory, with broad application across related specialties.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, and organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases.
• Ability to troubleshoot in high‑pressure or time‑sensitive situations.
• Experience in system engineering tools (Jira, Confluence, SharePoint).
• Strong computer and documentation experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience as a test director, test conductor or equivalent on flying systems.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix OS; comfortable obtaining data from software platforms using command‑line tools.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with tools and electronics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Strong leadership skills, with previous experience leading a team.
• Ability to work extended hours as required.
• Must possess and be able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Salary Range

US Salary Range: $129,000 – $171,000 USD. The salary range is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on 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.

Benefits

Anduril offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package available at little to no cost to employees, supporting health, recovery, and whatever comes next. Benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage, 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave and additional programs to support employee well‑being.

Anduril is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or any other status protected by law.