Senior Flight Test Engineer - Advanced Effects (Steelfin)

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d • $147,000 - $196,000

About The Position

The Senior Flight Test Engineer will focus on developmental testing of new aircraft weapon and missile systems. The role works closely with program test leadership and cross-functional teams to plan, coordinate, execute, and report on all aspects of test programs. The Test and Evaluation team supports products and business lines across Anduril, including flight operations and test-range management, and conducts system-level development testing, production acceptance testing, and sub-component qualification testing.

The engineer will lead or support system-level testing of hardware and software, including ground and flight test, resource planning, issue investigation, data collection and initial analysis, and process improvement. The role also supports development, certification, and integration testing of missile or weapon subsystems to the AUR configuration. Testing takes place at private and government-owned test ranges. The position requires safe work practices, travel as needed for test planning and execution, and extended hours as required. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-level security clearance. Pre-employment and randomized substance screening may apply.

The listed U.S. salary range is $147,000–$196,000, inclusive of base salary only. Actual offers may vary based on experience, education or training, critical skills, and business considerations. The posting says highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are part of total compensation. Anduril also offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, described as available at little to no cost to employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• 8 or more years of experience as a test conductor or director for developmental aircraft, weapon, or missile systems.
• Understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with experience applying them broadly and developing knowledge of related technical specialties.
• Test engineering experience with developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft, including requirements development, planning, execution, and reporting.
• Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653, or similar standards.
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and applicable UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Ability to quickly understand and accurately apply new concepts; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine an appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to solve complex problems.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Ability to work extended hours as required and travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Bias for action and willingness to identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-level security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Experience building software code or scripts using languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, or JavaScript.
• Experience with Linux-based systems and command line.
• Working knowledge of COTS small UAS autopilot and mission-planning software.
• Experience working with personnel operating manned aircraft and familiarity with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple propulsion systems, including air-breathing and non-air-breathing systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level testing and evaluation of hardware and software, including resource planning, ground and flight testing, initial issue investigation, and process improvement or development.
• Lead or support testing of missile or weapon systems, including development, certification, and integration testing of subsystems to the AUR configuration.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Work with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements and discuss test results, data, and observations.
• Assist in creating developmental test plans, test cards, technical updates, and test reports.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and standard practices.
• Travel as required for test planning and execution, and work extended hours as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers.
• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees, described as available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

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