Flight Test Engineer, Ghost

Anduril Industries • San Clemente, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril plays a crucial role in our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, software validation testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Ghost sUAS platform. Ghost is a Group 2 autonomous vehicle specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well as Ghost’s integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• 1-3 years of experience in flight testing, flight test planning, or aviation systems development.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or aircraft systems integration is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of flight test principles, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with test card development, safety risk assessments, and test methodology.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly understand new technical concepts and apply them effectively.
• Ability to assess and mitigate technical risks during flight testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of clearly documenting test plans, procedures, and results.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams, including engineering, program management, and operations.
• Current or ability to obtain FAA 14 CFR Part 107 certification for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required.
• Willingness and ability to conduct field testing in diverse outdoor environments, including exposure to sun, heat, and occasional rain.
• Comfortable with hands-on work that involves physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and setting up test equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 80 lbs (e.g., drone systems) with appropriate assistance and safety measures.
• Ability to travel for test planning, execution, and customer engagements.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and National Airspace procedures, particularly as they relate to manned and unmanned aircraft operations is a plus.
• Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux-based operating systems.
• Experience with GitHub, CircleCI, ssh, bash, and command line.
• Knowledge and experience with Group 1/2 rotary systems that utilize commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) flight control systems and Ardupilot firmware.
• Experience working DoD programs.
• Familiarity with remote operations and ground control stations.
• Prior experience with military or civilian flight test operations.
• Direct experience working with UAS platforms or autonomous systems.
• Test Pilot School experience or equivalent training is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily flight test operations and campaigns at multiple test locations.
• Support and plan test events in support of the product roadmap and production schedule.
• With guidance, manage and oversee a sound configuration management plan and of test assets in preparation for multiple test campaigns.
• Manage an inventory plan to keep all assets fully mission capable and ready for test.
• Prepare for test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness.
• Create and disseminate test reports that create awareness for all stakeholders on system status in varying test campaigns and/or initiatives.
• Generate and oversee the execution of test cards, pre- and post-flight briefings, and manage test events with a broad support team (pilots, engineering subject matter experts, senior FTEs, etc.).
• Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
• Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
• Collect metrics and report on metrics that highlight product performance, progression, and maturity.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

What This Job Offers

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