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Anduril Industries · 22 hours ago

Manager, Test Operators

Costa Mesa, California, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$129K/yr - $183K/yr

8+ years exp

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. The Manager of Test Operators will lead a team focused on developmental flight tests of UAS, ensuring safe flight operations and managing personnel resources for test and evaluation events.

AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)GovernmentMilitaryNational Security

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Manage test pilots, test operators, and other flight related personnel resources to support all Anduril Integrated System test and evaluation events requiring flight operations

Lead by example. You will be expected to provide strong leadership/mentorship for your team, while also continuing to support flight operations personally when needed

Ensure your team, including yourself, maintain all required training and certifications required to perform their jobs (includes both Anduril internal requirements and external requirements such as FAA)

Ensure your team is conducting flight operations safely, legally, and in coordination with Anduril policy

Advise internal and external leadership on your teams flight capabilities and other capabilities that exist throughout the Anduril test ecosystem

Travel on short notice to fulfill operational needs if and when those needs arise

Maintain a high degree of professionalism including punctuality and culpability

As required, perform duties as Pilot in Command or Safety Pilot during flight operations, and manage the responsibilities associated with that position

As required, prepare missions that meet engineering requirements

Coordinate or provide training/professional developmental to coworkers under the guidelines of Anduril as needed

Qualification

UAV operationsFAA part 107 certificateFlight operationsLeadershipUAS mission planningRisk managementAircraft systems knowledgeCross-functional collaborationFAA regulations complianceTrainingComputer proficiencyAircraft maintenanceResource allocationProblem-solvingMentorship

Required

8+ years of hands-on professional experience working with UAV's or equivalent military experience as a UAV operator, maintenance technician, or Crew Chief

Ability to travel up to 60% routinely and higher if needed

Possess a SECRET or higher US Security clearance

Possess, with the ability to maintain, a FAA part 107 certificate

Aptitude for leadership and desire to be a people leader first, manager second

Demonstrated ability to train/lead peers and/or customers on the operation of a product

Understand and comply with FAA regulations and other relevant aviation authorities' guidelines

Experience in planning and executing UAS missions

Knowledge of risk management and safety protocols in UAS operations

Hands-on professional experience working Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems, including rotary wing, fixed wing and VTOL aircraft

Demonstrated understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and sensors

Demonstrated ability to solve problems in unstructured situations at the interface of hardware, software, and operations in pursuit of mission success

Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams and external customers; demonstrated ability to collect differing opinions and reconcile them in order to achieve agreement on what ‘right' looks like

Able to work extended hours on test sites or in support of testing as required

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, UAS operations or related discipline

Possess, with the ability to maintain, a FAA part 61 certificate

Developmental test experience

Demonstrated ability to support to multiple programs simultaneously

Experience with Ardupilot and aircraft communication

Experience with aircraft maintenance

Experience in resource allocation

Proficient with computer use (standard browser, word processing applications)

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.

Generous time off: 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.

Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.

Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.

Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development

Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.

Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan