Senior Flight Test Engineer - Group 1-3 VTOL

Anduril Industries • San Clemente, CA

75d • $146,000 - $194,000

About The Position

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. 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 Group 1-3 platforms. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well 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.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of flight test principles, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with test card development, safety risk assessments, and test methodology.
• Experience in a range of flight test environments, such as performance, avionics, or systems testing.
• 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.
• Current or ability to obtain FAA 14 CFR Part 107 certification for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and National Airspace procedures, particularly as they relate to manned and unmanned aircraft operations.
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for complex test activities.
• Strong organizational skills to manage work phases, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Partner with engineering to be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).
• Support daily flight test operations and campaigns at multiple test locations.
• 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.
• Coach and mentor team to 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, etc.).
• Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status.
• Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
• Collect metrics and report on metrics that highlight product performance, progression, and maturity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
• Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
• Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.
• Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
• Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers.
• Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching.
• Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation Assistance available depending on role eligibility.
• Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree