Flight Test Engineer, AE
Anduril Industries is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Engineer to join our Test and Evaluation team in Costa Mesa, California. This role focuses on the developmental testing of new aircraft weapon and missile systems, contributing to our mission of transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with program test leadership and cross-departmental teams to plan, coordinate, execute, and report on all facets of the test program.
Key responsibilities include planning and executing system-level testing and evaluation of hardware and software, with an emphasis on resource planning, conducting ground and flight tests, initial issue investigation, and process improvement. The engineer will act as a lead or supporting test engineer for missile or weapon systems, including development, certification, and integration testing of subsystems. Additional duties involve collecting test data, performing initial data analysis, developing requirements in collaboration with program management and engineering departments, and assisting in the creation of developmental test plans, test cards, technical updates, and test reports. The role also requires conducting ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges while adhering to established operating procedures and standard practices.
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with the possibility of substituting equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. A minimum of 5 years of experience as a test conductor or director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems is required. The role demands a strong understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts. Test engineering experience with developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft, including requirements development, planning, execution, and reporting, is essential. Familiarity with military standards such as MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, and AS5653 is necessary. Experience integrating and conducting tests with suspension, arming, and release equipment, as well as knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations, is also required. Strong computer and documentation skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, the capacity to work independently and as part of a team, and the ability to work extended hours and travel as required are essential. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance are also necessary.
Preferred qualifications include experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and prior experience with software code or script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, or JavaScript. Experience with Linux-based systems and command line, working knowledge of commercial off-the-shelf small UAS autopilot and mission planning software, familiarity with manned aircraft personnel and aviation terminology, and experience with weapon or tactical datalinks are advantageous.
The salary range for this role is $113,000 to $135,000 per year, with highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers. Anduril offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to employees, along with income protection through life and disability insurance. Generous time off includes highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December, as well as caregiver and wellness leave. Additional benefits encompass family planning and parenting support, mental health resources, professional development reimbursement, commuter benefits, and relocation assistance, depending on role eligibility. Retirement savings plans are also available, including traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax options.
Anduril Industries fosters an innovative and fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the products that are fielded. The company is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. Joining Anduril means being part of a team that is changing how military systems are designed, built, and sold, offering significant growth opportunities and the chance to work on transformative defense technology projects.