Flight Test Engineer - Space Systems

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

Anduril is seeking a highly motivated, experienced Flight Test Engineer focused on developmental testing of systems ranging from subsonic to hypersonic. The role collaborates with program leadership and multiple departments to lead test efforts and solve challenging problems. It involves planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting on all aspects of test programs. The Test and Evaluation team supports products and business lines across flight operations and test range management, including system-level development testing, production acceptance testing, and subcomponent qualification testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution; equivalent engineering experience may substitute.
• At least 5 years of experience as a program lead or test director for rocket-launched systems or developmental weapon systems, including requirements development, initial prototype builds, test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Extensive experience in SRM flight testing, guided SRM missile development, stage separation systems design and testing, and MRTFB operations and procedures.
• Expertise developing Flight Safety Systems (FSS) compliant with MRTFB, RCC, and FAA standards.
• Experience as an MRTFB Range User, including compliance with local range safety requirements and submission of analyses, simulation studies, and documentation.
• Knowledge of Flight Termination System (FTS) integration with range support and monitoring equipment.
• Strong understanding of vehicle, payload, and ground safety equipment requirements.
• Familiarity with adjacent missile technology programs and funding opportunities.
• Experience with systems engineering or DoD program processes, such as EVM and MIL-STD-881.
• Working knowledge of military standards, including MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, and AS5653.
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with ground- or ship-based launch systems and suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Familiarity with military missile system airworthiness certification standards and processes, such as ADS-45-HDBK, Seek Eagle, and NNMSB.
• Ability to manage complex test schedules and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel for test planning and execution and work extended hours as needed.
• Proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening as required by the company.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution; equivalent engineering experience may substitute.
• Knowledge of High-Power Rocketry standards, including 14 CFR Part 101 and NFPA 1127.
• High-power rocketry certification levels 1, 2, or 3.
• Prior experience in supersonic or hypersonic vehicle design and flight testing.
• Prior experience testing solid or liquid rocket propellant engines or boosters.
• Experience building software code or scripts in languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, or JavaScript.
• Experience using flight simulation to support flight safety analysis, including debris pattern propagation and instantaneous impact point (IIP) analysis.
• Familiarity with flight simulation and live telemetry visualization tools such as SIMDIS.
• Prior experience with Linux-based systems and command line.
• Working knowledge of COTS small UAS autopilot and mission-planning software.
• Expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and applicable UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiarity with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple propulsion systems, including air- and non-air-breathing systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program management on proposals, strategies, and test and evaluation solutions for rocket-launched subsonic and supersonic systems.
• Work with program management, test leads, and engineering department leads to develop requirements, communicate schedules and progress, establish test gates and milestones, and discuss results.
• Lead a team in planning and executing full system-level testing and evaluation of hardware and software, including resource planning, ground and flight testing, issue investigation, and process improvement.
• Serve as lead test engineer for R&D rocket-launched systems, including development, certification, and subsystem integration testing.
• Engage with civil and government certifying agencies to obtain necessary operational authorizations.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Support startup of new facilities for supersonic testing.
• Provide hands-on support during initial design, build, and integration phases.
• Plan, execute, and report on laboratory, ground, and flight tests.
• Oversee test data collection and perform initial data analysis.
• Ensure safe operations in accordance with established procedures.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of total compensation.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior