Staff Flight Test Engineer, Weapons Programs

$142,000 - $190,000/Yr

Unclassified - Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Costa Mesa, CA

About the position

Anduril Industries is seeking a highly motivated Staff Flight Test Engineer to join our Weapons Programs team. This role is pivotal in transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities through advanced technology. As a flight test engineer, you will focus on the developmental testing of weapon and missile systems, collaborating closely with program leadership and various cross-department teams. Your primary responsibilities will include planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting on all facets of the test program. The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril operates across a wide spectrum of products and business lines, managing all flight operations and test range activities. We conduct comprehensive system-level development testing, new production acceptance testing, and sub-component qualification testing. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in an innovative and fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact the products that are deployed in the field. In this role, you will plan and execute system-level testing and evaluation (T&E) of hardware and software, emphasizing resource planning, conducting ground and flight tests, initial issue investigation, and process improvement. You will act as the lead test engineer for missile or weapon systems, overseeing development, certification, and integration tests of subsystems. Your responsibilities will also include collecting test data, performing initial data analysis, and collaborating with program management and engineering departments to develop requirements and discuss test results. Safety is paramount, and you will be expected to work in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis on resource planning, conducting ground and flight tests, initial issue investigation, and process improvement.
• Act as lead test engineer for missile or weapon systems, including development, certification, and integration tests of subsystems to the AUR configuration.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Work closely with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements and discuss test results, including collected data and observations.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• 7+ years of experience as a lead test conductor/test director for developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft, including requirements development, test planning and execution, and test reporting.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases, and determine appropriate approaches to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Strong computer and documentation experience.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, performing complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Bias for action - if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
• Ability to immediately obtain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision for employees and 90% for dependents.
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for UK roles, fully covered for employees and dependents.
• Private health plan through Bupa for AUS roles, fully subsidized by Anduril.
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, with options for additional life insurance.
• Generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December and competitive PTO plans.
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support including fertility, adoption, and gestational carrier coverage.
• Free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and life coaching.
• Professional development stipend available to all employees.
• Daily meals and provisions in many offices.
• Company-funded commuter benefits based on region.
• Relocation assistance depending on role eligibility.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with traditional and Roth options (US roles only).