Principal Flight Test Engineer, Mission Autonomy

$170,000 - $200,000/Yr

Anduril Industries - Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time - Principal

Costa Mesa, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

As a Principal Flight Test Engineer specializing in Mission Autonomy at Anduril Industries, you will be pivotal in leading the testing and evaluation of advanced military systems. Your role will focus on ensuring that mission autonomy capabilities meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, utilizing surrogate vehicles in a fast-paced environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and government entities to execute meticulously planned test events, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while providing critical feedback to shape the evolution of Anduril's technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in large scale developmental and operational testing of mission autonomy capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate test requirements with system capabilities and mission objectives.
• Act as the Test Director, overseeing critical test milestones and leading the execution of testing activities.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, FCC, and other regulatory body requirements during testing procedures.
• Provide critical feedback and insight into the development process of mission autonomy technology.
• Support the continuous improvement of test procedures, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
• Deconflict test events with other Anduril programs and initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in a coordination role for government or high-stakes test events.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading complex test events as a test director.
• Familiarity with FAA, FCC, and other relevant regulations.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
• Proven experience in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Outstanding communication abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and willingness to travel to test sites.
• Ability to secure a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical or management field.
• Direct experience in leading test events for mission autonomy systems.
• In-depth knowledge of Pixhawk autopilot systems and ArduPilot flight stack.
• In-depth understanding of simulation tools and testing environments for autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of software development practices and programming languages pertinent to autonomy and robotics.

Benefits

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits (100% covered for employee, 90% for dependents)
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance
• Generous company holiday calendar and competitive PTO plans
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave
• Family Planning & Parenting Support
• Mental Health Resources available 24/7
• Professional development stipend
• Daily Meals and Provisions
• Company-funded commuter benefits
• Relocation assistance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan